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Tackling the Near Impossible Task of Keeping Teenagers
​Engaged for 90 Minutes!

photo courtesy of: http://www.msjc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingOLD/StudentEngagementPrograms/Pages/default.aspx

To engage students in the classroom, material needs to be presented in a variety of methods, to differentiate instruction for all students.  In a constant search to keep high school students engaged during class, especially block periods, I am always on the lookout for new, engaging, innovative websites and apps that I can use.

With the increasing use of mobile technology in society in general, there is a growing need to intentionally use this technology with 21st century learners in our schools.  As part of the Common Core Standards, there are eight mathematical principles that proficient math students must employ.  One of those eight principles is the use of appropriate math tools strategically, which along with many traditional math tools, includes technology such as computers, chromebooks, cell phones and tablets.

Using my background in elementary school teaching, I’ve also learned to leverage the use of learning stations in my high school math classroom with a focus every week on using technology to enhance and engage the standards.  Weekly, at least one of the stations includes students using personal devices to enhance their comprehension.

It is important for all teachers to vary the lessons and activities used in the classroom.  There are various learning styles in each classroom, and what works for some students, may not work for others.  This is regardless of whether or not a classroom teacher decides to incorporate technology in their classroom.  

Technology should not be used in the classroom solely for the sake of using technology; also, there are many technologies that are not engaging for students.  Classroom teachers need to be very careful when deciding what classroom technologies they want to use in their classrooms.  Mobile devices enable every conceivable form of teaching and learning and create a learning environment in which each student can find their appropriate niche.

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