Goose Creek CISD

March 2016 - Austin Lindsey

Name
Austin Lindsey
What Do You Teach?
7th grade writing
Where Do you Teach?
Highlands Junior
How Long Have You Been Teaching?
8 years

How Does Educational Technology Play a Role in Your Classroom?
Educational Technology plays a major role in my classroom. In years past Language Arts had to schedule library visits every two weeks. With the implementation of class sets of iPads, we can access an entire world of information at anytime. This allows us to dive further into expository topics and enrich student learning. One aspect of teaching that I used to struggle with was grouping students together and allowing them to guide each other through the learning process. Now, I find that the peer to peer guidance element is simply a natural progression with the iPads. Students are eager to help each other learn, show something they discovered, and apply their knowledge in the classroom productively.

How Do You Find Technology in the Classroom Helpful?
Technology in the classroom is extremely helpful, because it allows students and teachers to explore the entire world anytime they feel it necessary. If a student has a question about a topic, or idea, I can guide them to reliable resources to find that information. Instead of just giving them the "answer", I give them the path. This preps students for their upcoming years, going into 8th, 9th, 10th, and on into their college years. Ultimately, technology in the classroom is the most helpful tool any teacher could have.

What Is Your Favorite Piece of Classroom Technology? Why?
My favorite piece of classroom technology is the iPad. The district blessed the ELA department with a versatile piece of hardware. I will continue to reiterate my original notion about having the world at our fingertips. No longer do ELA teachers have to schedule library visits, and manage kids who were absent and kids who "can't find" their information in the 45 minute visit to the library. Every day the teacher has the resources to bring a library to their classroom, instead of taking their class to a library.
What Is On Your Technology Wish List For Your Classroom? Why?
Stylus pens are on my wish list for my classroom, because they allow students to navigate through the iPad easier than with their fingers. Also, stylus pens would greatly reduce the need for wiping the screens 3-4 times a day.
What Do You Love Most About Teaching?

I love this question. I love the moments when students smile, laugh, and have real conversations with me about what they are learning. I love it when they read something, a question pops up in their head, and they have a genuine interest in a subject or topic. So often we do not get a chance to really let the student figure things out and dig out information they want. And I really appreciate those moments when we can let the kid truly learn.

Nominated by:
Jennifer Stephens, Junior School Technology Integration Specialist "Mr. Lindsey has a very engaging personality and teaching style. He works hard to build positive relationships with his students and encourages them to do well in school and life. With his extensive knowledge of content and subject matter, Mr. Lindsey seamlessly integrates technology into his classroom. For his writing classes, he uses google drive to collaborate and share with students. What I like most about Mr. Lindsey is his drive to always be the best he can for his students. He did not waste time getting the iPads out and using them for their next writing assignment. Not only is he an encouragement to his students, he is to his fellow teachers as well. Mr. Lindsey has already booked me to take the next step with his classes. I am looking forward to working with him and seeing what great plans he has for his students and technology."

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