ClassKick Supports Effective Feedback in the Classroom

Susan Grover, professor of English at Brigham Young University, is a proponent of transformational technology integration, however, she cautions, “In contemplating the future of educational technology, I question the role technology can and should play in the classroom. Educational specialists tell us that learning through experience is highly effective and that technology will facilitate this teaching method. But how can I more effectively use technology to provide experiential learning opportunities for my students?” (Grover, 2006).

We as educators are consumers of technology for our students and must build a mental framework of technology being a mode of expression in learning rather than “just another thing” or as a novel gimmick.  However, having technological resources and access does not guarantee of quality learning experiences enriched by being able to communicate to an audience in another country, another classroom, or in another language. What about being able to Skype with field experts or co-learners as part of our learning? 

Take for example the need to provide timely, effective, personal feedback to each student in our classroom. This is one of the largest challenges we as educators face, and technology is beginning to assist us in providing for this in a way that moves the child to thinking about their learning. 

The app “Classkick” (www.classkick.com) provides a platform for students to learn how to get feedback, how to read feedback, how to give feedback, and provides an opportunity to learn how to make feedback actionable.  This utilizes technology in a manner that allows for the transformation of the participants without being a novelty that takes center-stage above the learning goal.  

ClassKick has a rich teacher resource area on their website that supports the integration of the feedback skill-learning and the technology as support model.  I love this app and have found it to move our classroom from a "culture of nice" in reviewing each other's work to a culture where authentic conversations around feedback take place in a way that empowers students!

Reference

Grover, S. (2006).  Holding class on the holodeck:
experiential learning through technology. Perspectives. Autumn, 2006 (40-51).