I think a good use of technology in an English/Literature high school classroom integrates technology in a way that enhances and enriches the instruction. So many times teachers simply throw in a given technology without considering its validity in the curriculum. I have used technology in my Block III classroom, and found that technology works best in the following circumstances:
- Technology is clean and concise.
- This is so important in presentations. The instructor should not bombard students with an overload of information. Instead, teachers should choose when and where to use technology in the classroom. It shouldn't be sloppy or excessive. A great use of technology is one in which is logical, concisely compiled, and rehearsed.
- Technology is suppliant to instruction.
- This is particularly important during power point or PREZI presentations. Technology should aid in the presentation, instead of be the presentation. The instructor should take control of the information, not let the information control them.
- Technology is innovative and creative!
- One of the reasons instructors like using technology in their classrooms is because it spices up instruction. It is easier to capture the attention of high school students when they are able to interact or manipulate the content. Technology allows this. Therefore, good technology is one that is refreshing and interesting to viewers.
- E-readers (like the Nook or Kindle)
- PowerPoint or PREZI presentations
- Student Cell Phones
- Student devices can be a fun way to poll the students or for a discussion of theme set!
- Tangrams
- Tangrams can be used as a review for vocabulary or concepts. I actually used them in my lessons for Block III.
- Visual of literature being studied
- This is particularly helpful when analyzing texts for poetic devices, point of view, unfamiliar vocab, or reading strategies.
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