Using Instructional Technology in Kindergarten
September 5, 2023
Introducing instructional technology in Kindergarten can be rewarding but comes with its challenges. Let’s discuss how you can increase your chances of success using web-based assessment and instructional programs with your Kindergarten students.
To see success in your educational technology platform, we recommend taking it slow and introducing it later in the year. The first few months are spent in kindergarten introducing many new and exciting things, including classroom rules and regulations. Avoid presenting any new technology during this time; instead, start introducing your programs in the late fall or early winter.
Once students are familiar with their classroom setting, introduce them to the technology. Students have been using different forms of technology since they were very young. Build on those skills. Spend this time ensuring they are comfortable with the devices they’ll use in class. If they will use desktops, remember they may not be as familiar. Teach them how to use a mouse or touchpad and the keyboard.
We recommend waiting until the winter to screen your kindergarten students. This ensures they’ve had enough time to become familiar with the program and can do their best.
Academic Screeners, like Classworks’ Universal Screener, identify the valuable skills students are ready to learn and where they need more support. Prepare your students by modeling how to answer multiple-choice questions. Dedicate time discussing the purpose of the screener and why it’s important to take your time with each question. Before the assessment, let students get familiar with rotating to different stations during their small group instructional time.
When it is time for the assessment, follow the station process they are familiar with and have students complete the screener using their station schedule during the screening window designated by your district.
Hopefully, your students’ assessment data has helped you identify skills they are ready to work on in the classroom. For example, Classworks automatically delivers reading and math lessons to students based on their test data. When it’s time for students to work on instruction on a computer or device, remind them of the technology skills you reviewed earlier in the year.
Remember that presenting any new skill, like Classworks, may be challenging, and technology can add complexity. During the first half of the school year, integrate activities into your small group and whole class instruction planning. While every situation is unique, we recommend that most kindergarten students engage with group instructional work rather than working independently.
During the second half of the school year, integrate instructional technology into your small group and whole class instruction planning. Gauge students’ readiness to work on these activities independently. Content should be introduced, modeled, and then experienced. Model basic exercises for students on your interactive whiteboard using the “I do, we do, you do” pedagogy. This gradual release of responsibility helps to set students up for success in first grade.
There are many benefits to introducing your kindergarten students to online instructional and assessment programs. They will engage with these throughout their academic career, and it’s essential for them to get comfortable and confident with them early on!
For more guidance, view our Best Practices article, Using Classworks in a Kindergarten Classroom. You’ll see specific examples, lesson plans, and guidance on using a reading and math assessment and instructional program with your students.
If you want to learn more about how Classworks supports school districts or a Classworks customer who would like dedicated support, email us at hello@classworks.com or chat with us using the chat feature below.
