Integration of Technology in the Classroom: Part 1

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of my first use of technology in my classroom. Back then in 2014, taking pictures of what I did class wasn't really a thing for me. 

I was teaching Biology, specifically Classification (Kingdoms). It was a very lengthy note, and I felt so sorry for my students. I kept wondering how they could read and remember everything, as the Nigerian educational system primarily used the traditional teaching style. 

Putting Myself in Their Shoes

I put myself in their shoes and then remembered how, back in university, I would go to the cyber café to browse on topics I was being taught. I'd print materials in color, because visuals helped me a lot in understanding concepts. I would also watch videos, buy text books with colored pictures. 

How I supported My Students' Learning

So what did I do for my students?

I went home, got my phone, went on Google searched for images and information about the representatives of each Kingdom. I would tell my colleagues at the time to help bring things like cockroaches, lizards, or anything else I needed to ensure the students could see it physically in class. 

I would also ask the students to prepare Rhizopus (fungi) to bring to school (they prepared this using bread or stale food like rice etc.). 

To allow time for hands-on activities, I stayed back 1 hour after school twice a week and gave notes separately, so we wouldn't lose time for hands-on activities. 

For representatives of kingdoms I couldn't physically find I used my phone. I grouped the students and had them watch the videos on my phone. Later, I got a laptop, which then made it a little easier. 

When I Became the First to Unbox a Projector

When I changed jobs to Lecture A- level students preparing for second year university entry, continuing this method was easier. I had access to some technology, and permit me to say-

I was the first to unbox the projector and use in my classroom😁(see the attached videos). 

So...What's Your Excuse?

You don't have a laptop or projector? Use your phone. 

You say, it costs too much data? But think about how many of us watch videos on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or check on YouTube daily for new movies, just because you don't want to pay for a satellite TV service. 

Let's be honest:

There is no excuse for not integrating technology in your classroom.  

Make Room for it

Look through your timetable or classroom schedule, adjust it in a way that allows you to expose your students to the use of technology. Even if it's something small, Let's start from there. We'll revisit this topic again- there's more to come! 

Bonus: Watch the Video of My First Prep to Introduce Tech in My Classroom 

Meanwhile enjoy my very first video of a  the preparation of a microscopic slide showing the anatomy of dicot and monocot stems. This was done in 2022 in Nigeria, and I was so happy and excited to share it with my students! 

A tip if you want to try this: 

Prepare well in advance so you can address challenges, difficulties, and misconceptions before presenting to your class.

Sit Back, relax and enjoy! 

Grab a chilled Coke and popcorn and enjoy watching. Let this inspire you to take the first step in using what you already have to improve your students' learning experience!