Promote collaboration & communication.

NMTT provide opportunities for every student's voice to be heard and even expand learning beyond the classroom. Some teachers may argue that bringing technology in the classroom discourages communication between students. However, annotation tools such as Google Docs make collaboration possible amongst students, teachers, and parents without them being in the same physical space. 

Incorporate formative assessment as an integral part of instruction.

All too often, performance on an assessment is a means to an end and is used as a sole indicator of students' understanding. My aim is to utilize assessment as a form of insight where it is an integral part of the learning process (Shepard, 2000). NMTT have made it possible for teachers to analyze real-time data and provide instant feedback which is an essential part of the learning cycle. The simulation using PhET, flashcards using Quizlet, interactive video using EDpuzzle, ePortfoilio using Google Docs, and collaboration board using Padlet are all assessments for learning which are designed to enhance students' understanding. For example, when they are engaging with the Build an Atom simulation, if the number of neutrons is not correct the atom shakes and is labeled with the term unstable. This automatic visual reaction provides students with immediate feedback during their thinking process. 

Provide multiple means of representation & expression.

'One size fits all' models are rather outdated in modern classroom settings. Many educators struggle with meeting every student’s needs and covering a condensed curriculum at the same time. Therefore, they tend to use ‘teach to the test’ methods. When using NMTT it is possible to better address different student needs including language barriers and flexible learning paths. My lessons are part of a blended learning course, and the nature of this website makes learning more flexible for students to move between the separate parts of a chapter. Hence, students who need more time will no longer feel like they are falling behind and students who finish faster can move on to more challenging tasks. My lessons are designed to further personalize instructions by providing students with multiple mediums to learn. In these lessons, while using Google Docs and Padlet students can then respond via images, text, and videos as per their preference to learn.

Improve engagement levels: 

I firmly believe that integrating NMTT can transform classrooms and enhance student engagement. My vision of new media is to create learning opportunities beyond the physical location of the classroom. Also, I believe that new media makes it possible for science teachers to bring scientific concepts to life, rather than look at static images in a textbook. I argue that modern teaching and learning does not simply mean to place computers in classrooms. NMTT should be integrated to support the pedagogical strategies and present contents to engage students towards taking ownership of their own learning rather than just receive information. Building an Atom is a PhET simulation that allows students to explore how each decision they make affects the characteristics of an atom. Simulations are useful in science teaching because they allow students to ‘see’ concepts that are abstract and complex. In textbooks, the periodic table is presented by a static image. In my online lessons, students can interact with the periodic table and make real-life connections with how these elements are used in authentic contexts. EDpuzzle is used to add questions within a video to grab the viewers' attention. NMTT tools can also be used to engage students in whole-class instruction. Jeopardy Labs is a great tool to extend, engage, and evaluate thinking during my blended learning course.