• General Info

    • The Big Idea

      Welcome to Tech Tips! Tech Tips was created as a space for instructors to find new ideas for incorporating technologies into the classrooms. Please read the below information before you begin. Additionally, find the Forum section so that you can share your experience with other instructors.

      Technology is a fun and exciting way to change some of your classroom curriculum. However, before jumping into it, it's important to note the difference between a technology-centered and a learner-centered approach. Richard Mayer, one of my favorite Multimedia theorists, explains important differences between following a technology-centered approach as opposed to a learner-centered approach.

      A technology-centered approach involves asking which technology would be best for presenting information (Mayer, 2009). For example, if I have a camera and an ipad, I will decide to use one or both devices to enhance my curriculum. 

      A learner-centered approach involves asking whether a given technology enhances human cognition (2009). For example, if you choose to play a video while also playing a radio behind it, it probably won't enhance student cognition because the audio with the radio and the video will clash. 

      The main takeaway from this short post is to question why you are going to use a given technology. You should not use the given technology if your answer is consistent with the mindset of a technology-centered approach. Instead, you should question how that technology might enhance student cognition? 

      Thanks for taking the time to read this! 

      Source: Mayer, R. Multimedia Learning. Santa Barbara: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Print.

       
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Poll Everywhere

  • Poll Everywhere

    • Poll Everywhere

    • The Big Idea

      Poll Everywhere is an application that enables instructors to create and display poll questions. The questions are answered by the students using their cell phones and appear in real-time.

      Ideas for use include:

      • Formative assessments for checking understanding
      • Formative assessments for test preparation 
      • Questions for focusing students prior to the start of the class.

    • How To:

      Please watch the informative video or read the directions below.

      • Visit: http://www.polleverywhere.com/ (disable your pop-up blocker).
      • Sign up for an account. 
      • Click create poll in top left side of screen.
      • Click into the light grey outlined box that is positioned right below the video that appears after clicking create poll.
      • Type your question into the light grey box.
      • Scroll down and choose how your audience will answer (multiple-choice, open-ended, clickable image).
      • Type the answer choices.
      • Click the create button on the lower right side of the screen.
      • Now the poll is created. 

      Once you are in class:

      • Sign into your account and click the my polls tab. Open your poll.
      • On the right side of the poll there is an icon for activating the poll. Press that button.
      • Now, on the farther right side of the screen, check the box for text messaging and provide the students with the information for joining the session and texting their answer.
      • Click the button the right side of the poll for full screen mode.
      • Watch as their answers display! 

       
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