It’s time once again for the "Eduporium Featured Educator" interview. Each month, we’re highlighting the work of an educator who is effectively using EdTech to empower his or her students. We’re very excited to share their stories and their work with you and hope it will give more educators encouragement to try something new in the classroom. This month, we spoke to Meghan Kestner, an Education Specialist from California, who isn’t afraid to try new tools in her classroom!
Meghan Kestner
Education Specialist, Deer Valley High School, Antioch, CA
Meghan's Technology Journey
I started out last year scared of technology and not sure how to incorporate it effectively into my teaching. In fact, I tended to shy away from it altogether. Then, I began to incorporate elements of technology, such as Kahoot!, Quizziz, and Plickers. I was amazed by the engagement and response of the students. The classroom came alive with friendly competition. Bets were made and students began to push themselves to succeed. At the end of the year, I decided to have each student write a short story complete with illustrations used with the 3Doodler 3D printing pen. My students were instantly excited about creating a world that they could bring to life.
I also utilized a 3D printer to make fidget spinners and other miscellaneous fidgets that my students marketed to other students at the school. They were excited that they had something to share and felt valued. Of course, this assignment came with a budget, requirements for advertising and marketing, and the need for a plan for the allocation of resources.
Q&A:
What are 2-3 of your favorite EdTech tools and why?
I am a huge fan of Adobe Spark Post to use as exit tickets. This is an app that allows students to remix images and text. I have them create an image and provide a caption about the takeaways from that day's lesson. This has provided some great insight into what their takeaways are and the visuals that they pair with them.
I love using Kahoot! as well. This is an amazing and engaging way to check for understanding and to engage students who normally would not participate. The new name generator feature takes away the opportunity for them to use inappropriate names and keeps things fun and upbeat!
This year, I have also implemented the use of Flipgrid. I have my math students video tape themselves solving a problem. This allows me to see their thought process as they attempt to solve the problem.
What advice would you give to people just starting out with implementing EdTech?
Don't be scared! It can be really intimidating at first. There are so many tools out there. Pick something that you can easily manipulate. I started with Kahoot!, Quizziz, and Plickers. Seeing the engagement of the kids was worth it. I have continued to push myself and have really enjoyed seeing the results with my students!
What are some of the real-world skills you've seen your students develop through regular EdTech use?
I have seen my students become more engaged in the curriculum. They are willing to take more risks. They are willing to fail and have conversations around the failure or the gains. There is a sense of security when it comes to pairing technology with the curriculum and the students are more willing to try new things with that safety net!
What interests you most about Eduporium?
I love that their team has the foundational belief that children can benefit from the use of technology. They focus on the productive, meaningful use of technology that can be hard to navigate as an educator. Eduporium showcases the innovative, cutting-edge tools that can be brought into the classroom (the best part is that it looks so easy).
Do you know of an educator who is doing exciting things with EdTech? Recommend them (or yourself!) as an Eduporium Featured Educator by applying here! Find out more about how Eduporium can revamp your classroom, library, or makerspace by heading to our store! Sign up as an educator and start saving with your discount!