As educators ourselves, we have incorporated digital resources and tools in our own practices.
Yes, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and challenging.
So, here, we share some of our experiences and tips with you.
Tips:
1. Consider diversity and equity of the app/website.
2. Consider accessibility of the app/website.
3. Customization
4. Before you switch from one app to another app, consider the reason for this change. Is it the problem of the features, or is it because students start to lose interests, is it because the app has limitations for your course design? Can any of these factors be modified?
5. It is also important to address the role of technology and digital resources to students from time to time.
6. Try to use digital resources that allow for student-centred and collaborative learning. Let students be the teacher sometimes, creating their own tasks, games, assignments through digital resources, and encourage them to learn from each other.
1. Consider diversity and equity of the app/website.
- Does the app follow the anti-oppression framework?
- Does the app help to create an inclusive and equal learning experience?
- Does it cost students money to access this resource? Does it have many adds-on features that will cost money? If so, can all students afford to have similar experience?
2. Consider accessibility of the app/website.
- Are the texts easy to read? Does it have clear layout and structure?
- If it has video or audio, does it come with captions or transcripts?
- Does the app have high contrast in text and pictures? Is the app very dazzling?
- Can it only be used on the phone
3. Customization
- Can this app be used for different subjects or for different grades/semesters?
- Is this app going to be updated? Will I be able to reach customer service if I need help or suggestions with the app?
4. Before you switch from one app to another app, consider the reason for this change. Is it the problem of the features, or is it because students start to lose interests, is it because the app has limitations for your course design? Can any of these factors be modified?
5. It is also important to address the role of technology and digital resources to students from time to time.
- “Sometimes, my students will simply want to just collect digital resources instead of using them for learning. For example, in a college sociology course, I created flashcards for my students to help them prepare for the upcoming mid-term. Shortly after we started practicing them on Quizlet, one student immediately asked whether this set of concepts will be posted online. After receiving a positive answer, the student hardly engaged in the activity and started doing something else. We need to tell students that the apps or the websites are tools to assist our learning, they are not the knowledge itself. Digital resources will not replace traditional teaching and learning process; students will still need to engage, think, and apply these knowledge in order to understand and possess it fully.” - From Billie's experience
6. Try to use digital resources that allow for student-centred and collaborative learning. Let students be the teacher sometimes, creating their own tasks, games, assignments through digital resources, and encourage them to learn from each other.