An Intro to Classroom Technology: Elementary and Junior High Schools
Your elementary and junior high schools will have some sort of device that each student will receive. Typically, they are Chromebooks that will run a learning software of the school’s choice (ex. Google Drive and Google Classrooms, etc) as well as have the ability to connect to the school’s wireless internet.
The limits of the Chromebooks depend on your school, so be sure to ask your teachers a lot of questions and brainstorm ideas together on how to best use them.Â
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How can I utilize Chromebooks in ES/JHS?
- There are tons of apps that you can ask your school/BoE for permission to mass-download, such as ENG-JPN dictionaries, vocab flashcard apps, and typing practice programs.
- Because they connect to the internet, these devices can be useful for translating, listening to native pronunciations, making presentations with photos, researching information about foreign countries, learning about other cultures.
- Use an HDMI cord to connect the Chromebook directly to the TV to show your screen, open programs or files, and play videos on Youtube!
- You might get a Chromebook from your BOE or one of your schools. If not, your teachers likely have one. Just remember, this device should not come home with you without permission!
- If you don’t speak Japanese, the translating apps might be extra helpful when students have questions for you. Have students type the Japanese in and you read back the English.
- You can create online quizzes, flashcards, and polls for class using sites like Kahoot and Quizlet.
- Tablets can grant creative freedom to the students. Challenge them to come up with creative solutions!
- Flipped classroom: This might depend on whether students are allowed to take their devices home. Instead of doing traditional homework, the JTE (and/or ALT) can record a lecture for the students to watch at home. This frees up a lot of time in class for students to do discussions, conversation practice or worksheets in class while the JTE/ALT is available to help them.
An Intro to Classroom Technology:
Senior High Schools
While ES/JHS received Chromebooks, SHS have a choice of three tablets (Chromebooks, Microsoft Surface & Fujitsu). The school can choose which tablet to use. In addition to a keyboard attachment, some schools may have also received a pen stylus and/or a mouse.
ALTs may or may not also receive one for work; regardless, it might be useful for you to know how to use one in the classroom. Each school has different applications or allowed websites, so take the time to learn what is used in your school before classes begin.
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How can I utilize tablets effectively?
- Most tablets should have Microsoft Office 365 already installed. This will include the standard Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs, possibly more.
- You should have a unique User ID for use with Microsoft Office and OneDrive. This will end in a @news000 (dot) onmicrosoft (dot) com domain. Use this to download and log in to your various productivity programs. Ask your school’s ICT teacher for help if you have any trouble.
- One application that has been implemented at the SHS level is Microsoft Teams, although schools are using it differently. With Teams, you can create unique classrooms, upload and share files and forms, create quizzes, have one-on-one chats with teachers, and more. If you are not already familiar with it, take the time to get to know the ins and outs of this versatile program.
- The Surface Go 2 has limited ports available on the device (1x USB-C port & 1x 3.5mm headphone jack). In the event it is necessary to connect anything physical to the device, you will need to use something with a USB-C connection. See below for an example device to consider carrying with you.
- The charging cable for the Surface tablet uses a proprietary charger. Every tablet comes with one, but it might be good to have a spare on hand.
Look out! Some issues which may arise...
- Some teachers will not have a single clue how to work with (or fix) computers, especially the new devices. Maybe you don’t either! Technical difficulties can eat up valuable class time or cause students to lose their focus.
- Some teachers will simply not use the devices in their English classes ever, even if you ask to use them. Be prepared with an analog solution.
- Students can get sidetracked easily on the internet if you don’t keep an eye on what they’re doing. Make sure to walk around the classroom and keep the students on track.
- Google Translate and DeepL are a gift and a curse. You will need to decide with your colleagues how your students can use translation sites in your classes.
- Students may forget to charge their device, so will be unable to use it during class time. Make sure students know to charge their device before you lessons!
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- Devices cut down on face-to face interaction with and among students. That said, some students may be more comfortable expressing themselves using technology instead of speaking.
- Typing is a different skill from handwriting, though a necessary one. Students need to be taught how to capitalize letters when typing, how to use spaces, and need to make sure they are spelling words correctly. This also takes away from actual handwriting practice.
- Communicate with HRTs and JTEs and make sure that the students’ work is being checked for accuracy so that students do not present incorrect English.
- Make sure students know how and where to save their work. It would be terrible to lose a day’s progress because it’s saved in a strange place! If possible, create a dedicated place to save English and ALT class materials, such as in a personal folder, shared network folder, or Microsoft Teams.
What other technology is in the classroom?
While every school will have access to different technology (and we cannot account for everything), below are some examples of additional technology that may be available in your school or classroom, as well as other items that may be useful. Large equipment may be installed in every room or just a few; other items you may have to borrow or provide yourself.
Projector
Many classrooms will have a projector installed over the whiteboard. Older rooms may have been retrofitted with one over a blackboard with a simple white screen film (don’t write on it!).
Projectors should be able to connect via HDMI or wirelessly to other devices. The built-in speaker may be a bit weak, so consider using externals.
Document Projector
This is the modern overhead projector. They’re very useful for showing handouts or textbook pages, enlarging small print, demonstrating how to fill in a worksheet, doing show-and-tell presentations, etc.
There are several models in use, but they all function largely the same.
Smartboard (Physical)
The smartboard is a useful tool in the classroom. In rooms without a projector, these can fulfill the role of whiteboard, monitor, and entertainment center all in one. Elementary and Junior High Schools can use these together with all sorts of software, such as the digital textbook supplements. It should come with a computer, but you can also attach your (or your students’) tablets. They’re a common sight in Special Education schools.
Smartboard (Program)
The alternative to the physical smartboard is a program installed on a classroom computer. Using the touchpen, you can write on the projected image, whether it’s shared from a computer screen or from a document projector (as pictured).
Wireless Display Adapter (WDA/Wi-Di)
This small device from Microsoft allows you to directly share a smartphone or tablet screen on a monitor or projector wirelessly. The USB end provides power, and the HDMI end provides the display. It functions similarly to a Chromecast or Fire Stick, so it’s possible you can even show/use other apps.
Device/Port Adapters and Cables
Recently, devices have fewer ports of their own. Many of the tablets do not have extensive ports, possibly only a single USB-C port and a charging port. A dongle like the one pictured can provide extra ports if you need to connect physically to a device. This can be useful if you need to transfer files physically or connect over HDMI for a presentation.
Other tools: USB hubs, USB-A to USB-C cables, SD card readers, etc.
Portable Speaker
A speaker can be very useful for playing music or other audio from your device. Whether it’s over Bluetooth or through a 3.5mm jack, keeping one of these at the ready can expand your activity options at all school levels.
USB Bluetooth Clicker
Get out from behind the podium and walk around the classroom freely while showing a presentation or slideshow. Use the laser pointer to draw attention to specific points. Advanced models have additional functions like hotkeys, zoom, even function as an air mouse.
Speaking of computer mice, a cheap one from the 100 yen store can double as one of these in a pinch.
USB Sticks/Thumb Drives
Do you travel between multiple schools? Need to share a file between teachers/students? Don’t have access to email?
Toss a couple of these in your bag just in case. Ideally, make copies across multiple; a pack of basic 16Gb sticks like the ones pictured can be found for cheap.
Be aware that some schools may require them to be encrypted or password-protected and may not allow you to use your own USB.
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CD Player/Stereo
Ah, yes. The good old CD player. This mainstay of the classroom can be used for more than just “read and repeat” sessions. Many have microphone jack ports, meaning you can use these as portable amps for large classrooms (and quiet student presenters!). Hook up your smartphone and play a playlist, put on a CD of children’s songs, or pre-record a listening test for exam time.
And finally, some useful links:
