Evolving with Technology

When we began working together in 2017, we were excited to explore ways that technology could play a part in teaching young children how to collaborate from different locations. We were curious about how we could enhance learning in ways that felt relevant to the lives of children growing up in a world where technology has an increasing presence in daily experience. While we were excited about the tools that were available at the time, we also knew the nature of the tech world that is in a constant evolution. While considering ways to bring our children together, we made an effort to be mindful of the learning goals and value of the experience over any specific tool on its own. At the same time we were asking ourselves about the learning goals that we were putting at the forefront, we also asked this question:

Can this experience last even if the tool changes or goes away?

The images below highlight the evolution of one of our favorite collaboration experiences. While technology may change, solid learning experiences that connect learners in meaningful ways can last and improve if we are willing to continuously work with what is available to us in our classrooms:

• Children were seeing each other through daily videos

• Children were commenting and asking questions through videos

• Videos were easily organized into collections and lent to building additional projects (See Chapter 5, Innovating Play)

• Familiarity and comfort with the tool since both classes were using Seesaw for daily documentation

• Videos organized in folders and easily accessed/shared with families

• Simple tools within Seesaw are used for commenting, asking questions, and adding additional information 

1. Invest time in getting to know your weather reporting tool so that you are comfortable. It should be simple, efficient, and quick!

2. Give weather reporters the job for a full week. You will be amazed at their comfort with speaking and the pride that develops over time as they engage in the activity!

3. Offer children who are not comfortable options: 

   • Start behind the camera as the person doing the recording with the teacher

   • Report with a partner 

   • For children who are nervous to watch themselves back, record the video but give them the opportunity to decide when and if it gets viewed as a class

4. Choose a weather reporting time that works in your schedule and gives you 1-1 time with the student. We find that right before recess works well and the reporter is thrilled with this special job.

Ready to change up a weather reporting routine you have in place? Try inviting families to share their weather adventures and add their videos to your collection!

Here is an editable Sample Family Letter for you to use to invite your families.