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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What educators should be aware of when choosing educational apps

The incorporation of technology within the curriculum

What educators can incorporate into their lesson plan about the use of apps

ISSUES AND FACTS OF EDUCATIONAL APPS

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

INTRODUCTION

LOCAL COMMUNITY AGENCY

Local agencies that bring awareness to technology in education

EXTRA RESOURCES

Additional resources educators can use about apps

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INTRODUCTION

“The emergence of smart device technologies and mobile applications is offering educators new platforms to engage students with class material”
In 2018, “over 180 billion apps have been downloaded from the Apple’s online store, and the educational sector is the third most popular category of app downloads with an 8.5% share”
As the use of apps is on the rise, it is important for educators to be aware of the pros and cons, while learning how to integrate them into their lesson plans

(Luna-Nevarez & McGovern, 2018)

Alisa Cipressi

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Technology We Use in the Classroom

SMARTboards
Laptops/Computers
Google Docs, Slides, etc.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint,
Starfall: Learn to Read
Dance-Mat Typing
Prodigy Math Game

Luana Pho

Script: “Before we get on with the rest of our presentation, here is a list of some of technology we witnessed throughout our years in the education system. We all remember SMARTboards being used by the teacher to show us videos and presentations. Laptops and computers being used throughout all the grades for a variety of purposes. Google docs, google slides, Microsoft word, and powerpoint have been heavily used throughout the years and as we navigate through online school and virtual classes, technology is especially relevant and useful. Some other ways we have witnessed technology being used in the classroom is through apps like Starfall: learn to read, which continues to help children in elementary school learn how to read, dance-mat typing taught us how to use the home row and become pro-typers, and prodigy math game was an adventurous way to make learning math fun! Now, more than ever, technology is more advanced than it ever has been and it’s so important to know the key facts and issues that come from the use of educational apps and technology. This will be covered in the following slides.”

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ISSUES/FACTS OF EDUCATIONAL APPS

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Awareness of Educational Apps

Before using apps, it's important for educators to take into consideration or benefits and negative impacts that the use of apps have on children
Need to take into consideration the amount of time children spend on apps at home
Reflect on the students...

Attention-span
Learning styles
Developmental skills�

Luana Pho

(Western Governors University, 2019)

Many families have multiple tv’s, computers, tablets, and phones for children to find and play. In fact,“research shows that the average 8- to 10-year-old spends almost 8 hours a day with a variety of media, and older children and teenagers spend around 11 hours per day with media. That time adds up. Young people are spending more time with technology than they do in school.” So, as time goes on and as children become teenagers, more and more technology apps and options become available to distract the youth. While most people see the negative impacts of technology usage, it’s also important to note the positive impacts as well. It isn’t just about the negative effects technology can have on lives, but it’s more about how parents and teachers can use technology in a way that is useful and beneficial to children.

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Negative Effects (Cons) of Technology

Lower Attention Span
Social Interaction Issues
Obesity
Failing Grades
Increased Risk and Lack of Privacy
Bullying
Risk of Depression

Luana Pho

(Western Governors University, 2019)

Some of the negative effects, otherwise known as the cons, of using technology are things like a lower attention span, an increased risk and lack of privacy, obesity, failing grades, bullying, social interaction issues, and also, a risk of depression. Because of how accessible technology is to children, for some children, it makes it harder for them to understand how to wait for things. This is because whenever they want to watch their TV show, play a game, or watch a movie, they can open it up on their device almost immediately and there is no wait time. Children also do not get bored as easily because they always have something to entertain them and so, this can lead to them getting impatient with other aspects of their lives. As the article states, “Technology moves fast, instant responses and instant gratification are impacting attention spans for young children and teenagers alike.” With technology comes privacy concerns for children and teens who might not fully understand the dangers of improper cybersecurity. Technology has made it easier for hackers and criminals to use technology to steal identities, harass children online, and with that comes issues such as theft, privacy issues, harassment, and cyberbullying. So, as technology flourishes, so does bullying and teens who spend time on social media might fall subject to cyberbullying. This is where children and teens use technology, typically social media, to bully other kids, without having to face them.

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Positive Effect (Pros) of Technology

Helping them learn
Classroom Tool
Improved Visual-Spatial Development
Improved Multitasking
Improved Problem-Solving
Improved Decision Making
Prepares for Future Tech Careers

Luana Pho

(Western Governors University, 2019)

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Privacy Concerns

Google Privacy Violations
Some apps collect personal information and track location
Some apps may allow the educator to grade the student’s grade within the app.
MFIPPA and Education Act
Educators should make sure that the apps that are being used are approved by the principal and meet guidelines of the school board

(eChalk, 2019; Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, 2019) )

Ashley Oluwasola

A main company that has issues with privacy concerns is Google. In 2019, Google was fined $170 million to settle charges that were about the collection of personal data from children without consent. This has been a current issue with Google, as there has been charges in 2011, 2012, and 2013 involving the apps like YouTube and Google Classroom. YouTube and YouTube Kids track viewers with personal identifiable device information which can then be sold to advertisers. There is a possibility that Google could create profiles of students and play ads based on their G SUite for Education Activity. This an important issue, as YouTube and Google Classroom are some of the most used platforms in school. In reference to education, it is the schools’ job to protect the privacy of the students according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Education Act. Educators should get approval from the principal and review the privacy concerns themselves, before introducing the app to their students.

https://www.ipc.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/guide-to-privacy-access-in-ont-schools.pdf

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Features of a Good Educational App

Vital factors of interactive apps
Video Content
Testing Knowledge
Gamification
Personalized Experience

(Mahajan, 2019)

Hailey Gagne-Squire

Some vital factors of interactive apps include mobile friendly content, meaning the app should be able to work on different technology like IPads, Chrome tablets, Androids. The content should be understandable and include fun facts for the learner to gain interest and comprehend.

Educational videos are becoming a turning point of the educational app industry. Having videos allow the child to learn at their own pace by rewinding or fast-forwarding

A good educational app should be testing the child’s knowledge. The test will give the educators more information about the students’ capabilities and know which subjects, chapters, or topics need more focus

Gamification is when the students are learning through games and allows them to achieve awards when a level is complete. It helps the cognitive development of a student and increases the levels of engagement with the app

When the app is personalized to the student, it enhances the user experience. Personalization can in forms of the tests that are being offered, feedback, or through gamification like designing a characters.

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LOCAL COMMUNITY AGENCIES

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Local Community Agencies

Prodigy https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/

Connects parents, teachers and school districts
Filled with resources that support and “promote the lifelong love of learning.”
Speciality in math education
Variety of games and engaging activities that encourage learning through challenges and rewards.

Ednest: https://www.ednest.org

Toronto based
“Brings together educators, students and technologists to share, collaborate and network to foster innovation in the education technology space.”
Workshops, Demos and Bootcamps
From K-12 and even preparation for higher education.
”Discover new educational possibilities for your classroom and learn about existing tools built to meet your needs.”

Knowledge hook: https://www.knowledgehook.com

Designed for school districts to be able to allow educators and parents to have see post and view content
Assign game based activities
Educators are able to teach using instructional guidance tools
Knowledge hook has been endorsed by the mInistry of Ontario and is applied in all 72 ontario school districts for grade 3- 12.

Alisa Cipressi

www.prodigygame.com/main-en/

support@prodigygame.com

226 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, ON, L6K 3X7

1 866 585 4655

https://www.ednest.org

hello@ednest.org

https://www.knowledgehook.com

151 Charles St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6

+1 844-324-4200

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LEARNING EXPERIENCES

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Activity 1: Balancing the use of screen time

Slide by Zi Rou Yang

Audio 1

Audio 2

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Activity #2: Privacy and Safety Online

Slide by Zi Rou Yang

To educate children and families the potential dangers of using social media and technology
To educate children about how they can stay safe online and avoid danger

Goals

Activity is to create a poster like this with children in the classroom

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Activity #3: Feels good Flies

Slide by Zi Rou Yang

ACTIVITY LINK: http://www.lianalowenstein.com/e-booklet.pdf

Goal:

Practice mindfully paying attention to self
Promote positive self-qualities
Increases self-awareness
Improve self-esteem by identifying and expressing positive qualities about oneself

Material:

Manila File Folder, Markers, Paper, Pens, Pencils, and

Craft supplies; glitter, stickers, coloured paper, etc.

Social media can do alot of negative impact towards children’s mental health thus it is important to take breaks from technology :)

Activity Steps:

Write down “feel good flies Name” on file
IF DESIRE → child can decorate the file with positive and uplifting designs using craft supplies
write 10 positive things about yourself on a piece of paper, when finish put it into the file
Now make a list of 3 people you can approach and ask to write a letter of affirmation that includes a list of 5 positive things about you, then person place it into the file
REFLECT WHEN FEELING DOWN

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Resource 1

Effective Classroom Practice: Preschoolers and Kindergarteners. NAEYC.

(2012).https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/technology-and-media/preschoolers-and-kindergartners.

This resource links to a PDF document that outlines ways for educators to effectively implement technology within a classroom. Implementing technology can be quite daunting for an educator, so this resource can help ease the transition and give educators a strong starting point for their new learning tools.

Hailey Gagne-Squire

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Resource 2

McGillivray, P. (2019). Technology in Teaching.{Video]. YouTube.

https://youtu.be/Jle-QztZN88.

This video resource shows a real classroom environment where educator Talor Kirk has implemented chromebooks in her classroom. Kirk explains and describes the process of introducing the chromebooks to the students, and the challenges and strengths that have come with it. Educators can benefit from hearing Kirk’s advice and consider the things they can take away or change when they introduce technology to their students.

Hailey Gagne-Squire

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Resource 3

Goodwill Community Foundation. (2020). Internet Safety for Kids: Teaching Kids

About Internet Safety. GCF Global. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafetyforkids/teaching-kids-about-internet-safety/1/.

This website offers an online tutorial that provides educators with useful and practical information for implementing and encouraging online safety for children. This source allows for both parents and educators to learn more about the potential dangers of the internet, and how to combat them which is crucial when introducing technology within the classroom.

Hailey Gagne-Squire

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Resource 4

Magid, L., & Gallagher , K. (2020). The Parent's Guide to Educational Technology.

ConnectSafely.https://www.connectsafely.org/the-parents-guide-to-educational-technology/.

This source explains in detail the reasons why teachers may choose to use technology in the classroom. Many parents may not understand why technology is being used, or how to use it themselves and this website gives them the tools to remedy these issues. Further, it is a useful tool for educators to use when considering introducing technology within the classroom, as it offers strong support for the use of technology and lends suggestions for how to help parents navigate the world of educational technology.

Hailey Gagne-Squire

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THANKS FOR LISTENING!

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References

eChalk. (2019). Are education apps putting student privacy at risk?

https://www.echalk.com/blog/2019/10/11/are-education-apps-putting-student-privacy-at-risk

Ednest. (2021). About. https://www.ednest.org/about-2

Goodwill Community Foundation. (2020). Internet Safety for Kids: Teaching Kids About

Internet Safety. GCF Global. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafetyforkids/teaching-kids-about-internet-safety/1

Information and Privacy Commission of Ontario. (2019). A guide to privacy and access to

information in Ontario schools. https://www.ipc.on.ca/wp- content/uploads/2019/01/guide-to-privacy-access-in-ont-schools.pdf

Knowledgehook. (2021). https://www.knowledgehook.com/

Knowledgehook. (2020). Ministry of education partners with Canadian EdTech company to

equip at-home learning. Globe Newswire. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/05/04/2026720/0/en/Ministry-of-Education-Partners-with-Canadian-EdTech-Company-to-Equip-At-Home-Learning.html

Luna-Nevarez, C. & McGoverm, E. (2018). On the use of mobile apps in education: the impact

of digital magazines on student learning. Journal of educational technology systems 47(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239518778514

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References Cont.

Mahajan, S. (2019). 8 Essential features of successful educational apps. Net Solutions.

https://www.netsolutions.com/insights/effective-features-of-best-educational-apps/

Magid, L., & Gallagher , K. (2020). The Parent's Guide to Educational Technology.

ConnectSafely.https://www.connectsafely.org/the-parents-guide-to-educational-technology/.

National Association for the Education of Young Children. Effective classroom practice;

preschoolers and kindergartners. NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/technology-and-media/preschoolers-and-kindergartners

Prodigy.(2021). https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/

Western Governors University. (2019). Impact of technology on kids today (and tomorrow).

https://www.wgu.edu/blog/impact-technology-kids-today-tomorrow1910.html