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EdTech Vs. Instructional Tech

Educational technology is best defined as  technological tools and software to which are integrated into learning environments.  As someone who has studied and worked within this area, I can attest that the definition varies per environment.  Within the field of education, educational technology is used for classroom instruction and planning by educators, administrators and designers.  Educational technology consists of online software such as Kahoot, Wikipedia, Screen-Cast-O-Matic, Google Classroom, and Scratch.  Each of the mentioned platforms can be integrated into curriculum for educational and facilitation purposes of the instructor.  Over the years, the number of online software and web based platforms steadily sees increase, due to the world wide web steadily increasing.  

Instructional technology refers to the scientific based practice of course design.  Foundationally, instructional technology is similar to educational technology, with the relevance of integrating technology into learning content. However, the platforms vary due to the need for content creation, learner assessments, collaboration and platforms needing cater to these demands of the field.  Some of the common platforms used within the instructional technology field include Google Classroom, Moodle, and TalentLMS. 

There are some similarities in the two terms as both rely on student learning styles for direction with technological integrations and curriculum planning.  These learning styles often include the well known terms such as audio, spatial, visual, auditory, and physical.  In terms of students with disabilities, both terms seek to differentiate instruction using content models and technological tools (physical and web based) for instruction.   “Teachers that utilize digital technologies and acquire a higher perception of learning effectiveness of digital distance learning are significantly more likely to use web-based teaching technologies” (Dincher and Wagner, 2021). Instructional technologists also seek to utilize additional models into the instruction including Merrill’s Principles and the ADDIE Model. The Addie Model consists of Analysis, Development, Design, Implement, and Evaluate.  Merrill’s Principles seeks to engage learners into real world problems through activation of prior knowledge, demonstration and activation of new knowledge and integration into the learner’s real world. “Empathetic design is the ability for the designer to predict the cognitive and emotional experience of learners as they engage with the design product and process. It aims to center sensitivity toward learners, and the design process as a whole, which suggests potential application in educational settings” (Mehta & Gleason, 2021).  One caveat to instructional technology is that educational technology can be integrated into instructional technology platforms to increase learner engagement and meet different learning styles.  

I have only been in the field of educational technology for about 4 years and I have witnessed new platforms rolling out on a consistent basis. As long as the internet continues to serve as an open platform welcoming collaborative efforts of its users, educational and instructional technology tools, software, and web based platforms will continue to evolve.  “This change is facilitated by advancements in educational technology, such as vodcasting, screen-casting, and e-learning portals. Instructors are now able to deliver lectures before class meetings via instructional videos” (Chung, 2018).  

Dincher, M., & Wagner, V. (2021). Teaching in times of COVID-19: Determinants of teachers’ educational technology use. Education Economics, 29(5), 461-470. https://doi.org/10.1080/09645292.2021.1920000

Chung, K. L. (2018). Grounding the flipped classroom approach in the foundations of educational technology. Educational Technology, Research and Development, 66(3), 793-811. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9578-x

Mehta, R., & Gleason, B. (2021). Against empathy: Moving beyond colonizing practices in educational technology. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(1), 87-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09901-2

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Benefits of Superfood- Spinach

Spinach Nutrition - Cooked and Raw Spinach Nutrition Facts
Photo provided by Good Housekeeping

Leafy green spinach is a superfood that can be prepared a number of ways due to its versatility. Spinach can be used within green smoothies aa a source of fiber. Spinach can also be baked into casseroles and fried into breakfast entree’s such as eggs. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia. It belongs to the amaranth family and is related to beets and quinoa. Did you know spinach offers major benefits to those who choose consume this superfood?

Spinach is Rich In Nutrients

Spinach is a source of Vitamin K which aids in bone support. Vitamin K works to enhance a protein called Osteocaic that is responsible for stabilizing calcium in bones. Spinach also provides a source of calcium, Vitamin D, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin C. The combination of these nutrients all aid in bone health.

Spinach is high in Vitamin A which eliminates viruses and bacteria. Vitamin A helps our skin and mucus membranes. Vitamin A is also known to be good for growth in bodily tissues including skin and hair. To help reduce the loss of hair and infections, the consumption of spinach is the solution.

Rich in Vitamin C, spinach supports heart health. There is a rumor that spinach helps with facial wrinkles. Pregnant mothers are advised to consume spinach to help with prenatal and cardiovascular diseases. Spinach is rich in lutein which helps prevents heart attacks and cures heart diseases.

Spinach is Low in Calories

Spinach is mostly made of water. One cup of cooked spinach is 41 calories. Spinach provides 160% of the daily goal for Vitamin A and about 40% for Vitamin C.

Spinach is a Source of Energy

Through magnesium, spinach is able to help generate energy throughout a days span. Spinach is a excellent source of folate. As you navigate through the day, the consumption of spinach helps turn your body into usable energy. Spinach is alkaline in nature. This is why spinach is a number one choice for many athletes.

Spinach Supports Brain Health

Spinach contains anti-inflammatory effects that aid in brain health. One study shows that when older adults consume one to two servings of spinach daily, that person had the same cognitive abilities as someone 11 years younger in comparison to those who did not consume greens.

Spinach Vs. Kale

Nutrition Faceoff: Kale vs. Spinach | HealthCastle.com
Photo provided by Health Castle

Spinach and Kale are similar in a number of ways. For starters, both vegetables are leafy greens that are high in fiber. Which is better for you? Let’s look at the facts and you can determine which route to take.

  • Kale has more calories per 100 g serving than spinach. It should be noted that both vegetables are still very low-cal choices.
  • Both contain fiber and several other important micronutrients in varying amounts, including vitamin A, riboflavin, and calcium.
  • They’re both high in vitamin K — a key vitamin involved in healthy blood clotting and bone formation.
  • They’ve also each been shown to positively impact heart health by improving several heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Add kale or spinach to a salad topped with vegetables and a good source of protein.
  • Both are linked to improved heart health, increased weight loss, and protection against disease.

The Best Sautéed Spinach

Crunchy Creamy Sweet provides a recipe for the best sautéed spinach and it looks delicious!

Prep Time- 2 mins

Cook Time7 mins

Total Time9 mins 

A fresh spinach sauteed with garlic and onions in olive oil and butter. This easiest and fastest spinach side dish is healthy and low-carb diet friendly.Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanKeyword: vegetableServings: 4 servingsCalories: 85 kcalAuthor: AnnaIngredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion chopped
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic see note
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 8 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat up olive oil. Add onion and saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and butter and saute until the onion is starting to brown.
  2. Add soy sauce and stir well. Add spinach and gently toss to mix with sauteed onion.
  3. Cook until spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve immediately.
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Benefits of Playing Hide and Seek

The age old game of Hide and Seek has traveled throughout many generations, and just maybe the go to game for you and your young child. According to The Child Development Institute, playing Hide and Seek with young children can have life long benefits including the following:

  • Teaches the concept of object permanence- “Things can still exist even when they cannot see them”
  • Increases imagination
  • Encourages problem solving skills
  • Conflict resolution with others
  • Numerous opportunities to bond with parent
  • Physical activity through running and jumping

Check out this Hide and Seek video for Toddlers!

Click HERE

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20 Ideas When on Zoom With A Preschooler

Zoom!  Zoom!  Zoom! 

Technology is flowing full steam ahead. With that, being in quarantine has forced creativity to sore at an all time high in most households, especially those with young children. Although, this is a “different” time, innovative interactions are taking place for our youngest learners.

If you are an educator or a parent that is looking for creative ways to excite your preschooler while Zoom video calling, this is for you!

Here are 20 Ideas When on Zoom With Your Preschoolers:

1. Virtual Hide and Seek Around the House- Have your preschooler give you clues where they have chosen to hide. Make sure mom or dad is supervising to ensure safe hiding places are happening

2. Cooking with My Teacher– This is a great way to talk about sequence (First, Next, Then, and Last) when cooking! “What are you mixing together first?”

3. Drawing Together/Free Art

4. Virtual Story time

5. Letter Activity (Flash cards)– Show flash cards on the screen and pause for student to respond. Creating online flash cards and using a split screen such as Flip Grid is another option.

6. Grocery shopping with my Teacher- Schedule a time to Zoom while the student is grocery shopping with parents. Practice naming some of the items you see in the store

7. Virtual Circle Time with Friends

8. Show and Tell- This can include favorite toys, household pets, drawings, etc

9. Practice Counting Together

1 2 3 Song

10. Practice ABC’s Song

11. Collect Rocks and Plants from outside and show them off

12. Gardening with my mom/dad and teacher- Schedule a Zoom and plan for your student and parent(s) to plant flowers or vegetables

13. Practice lacing shoe strings

14. Talk about why people are wearing masks

15. Encourage healthy habits– If your preschooler says they need to use the restroom or sneezing, be sure to encourage healthy habits, even virtually

16. Playlist Sing-A-Long

17. Have Your Preschooler Showcase their skills- “Hop on One Foot! Hold Your Left Arm in the Air!”

18. Eat Lunch Together- Schedule a Zoom during your students lunch time and chat it up

19. Nature Walk in Backyard

20. Scavenger Hunt Around the House- Provide pictures and names of safe items that may be in your preschoolers home like “Window,” “Light,” and “Sock”

While these aren’t all sure signs that your preschooler will stay engaged during the entire Zoom video call, these are great learning and interactive opportunities!

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Digital Planners 101

Hey Teachers or Parents! When choosing a digital planner, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are an educator or parent homeschooling your child during virtual learning, you will find this article extremely beneficial. When choosing a digital planner, keep in mind the following: accessibility, user friendliness, costs, and of course aesthetics. To find the right, digital planner, read below:

Microsoft One Note:

Free; Online version/Mobile Application

•Offers immersive reader (assistive technology for people with disabilities)

•Convert computer screen to Printable document (pdf)

•Touch screen capabilities

Microsoft One Note Immersive Reader

Whiteboard for iOS:

•Free/ Mobile application

•Simple writing screen with multicolored writing options

•Export final document and import pictures on existing document

Whiteboard for iOS

Noteflow

•Free Mobile Application

•Some touch screen writing capabilities

•Export file and/or save on Drive

Noteflow

Sketchbook

•Import/Export images

•Multicolored text option

•Embedded art/photos

•Touch screen drawing abilities

Sketchbook

Drawing Desk

•Free version offers limited access

•Kids/adult version

•Import coloring sheets for children

•Touch screen writing/coloring

Drawing Desk
Drawing Desk
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20 Ideas When on Zoom With A Preschooler

Zoom! 🏎 Zoom! 🏎 Zoom! 🏎

Technology is flowing full steam ahead. With that, being in quarantine has forced creativity to sore at an all time high in most households, especially those with young children. Although, this is a “different” time, innovative interactions are taking place for our youngest learners.

If you are an educator or a parent that is looking for creative ways to excite your preschooler while Zoom video calling, this is for you!

Here are 20 Ideas When on Zoom With Your Preschoolers:

1. Virtual Hide and Seek Around the House- Have your preschooler give you clues where they have chosen to hide. Make sure mom or dad is supervising to ensure safe hiding places are happening

2. Cooking with My Teacher– This is a great way to talk about sequence (First, Next, Then, and Last) when cooking! “What are you mixing together first?”

3. Drawing Together/Free Art

4. Virtual Story time

5. Letter Activity (Flash cards)– Show flash cards on the screen and pause for student to respond. Creating online flash cards and using a split screen such as Flip Grid is another option.

6. Grocery shopping with my Teacher- Schedule a time to Zoom while the student is grocery shopping with parents. Practice naming some of the items you see in the store

7. Virtual Circle Time with Friends

8. Show and Tell- This can include favorite toys, household pets, drawings, etc

9. Practice Counting Together

1 2 3 Song

10. Practice ABC’s Song

11. Collect Rocks and Plants from outside and show them off

12. Gardening with my mom/dad and teacher- Schedule a Zoom and plan for your student and parent(s) to plant flowers or vegetables

13. Practice lacing shoe strings

14. Talk about why people are wearing masks

15. Encourage healthy habits– If your preschooler says they need to use the restroom or sneezing, be sure to encourage healthy habits, even virtually

16. Playlist Sing-A-Long

17. Have Your Preschooler Showcase their skills- “Hop on One Foot! Hold Your Left Arm in the Air!”

18. Eat Lunch Together- Schedule a Zoom during your students lunch time and chat it up

19. Nature Walk in Backyard

20. Scavenger Hunt Around the House- Provide pictures and names of safe items that may be in your preschoolers home like “Window,” “Light,” and “Sock”

While these aren’t all sure signs that your preschooler will stay engaged during the entire Zoom video call, these are great learning and interactive opportunities!