Listen and learn: Edtalk 
Recorded Session
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this presentation is to equip parents and educators with a deep understanding of how technology can be harnessed to support students in developing and enhancing their executive functioning skills. The presentation addresses the educational challenge of ensuring that students have the necessary cognitive tools to manage tasks, set goals, and succeed academically. It introduces a range of specific technology interventions and strategies that can be employed to address this challenge, offering practical insights and resources for implementation. The presentation ultimately seeks to empower participants to actively integrate technology into their teaching or parenting practices to benefit students' executive functioning skills.
Objectives as Participant Outcomes:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
Understand Executive Functioning: Gain a comprehensive understanding of executive functioning, including its components and significance in student success.
Recognize Challenges: Identify common challenges students face related to executive functioning and how these challenges impact learning.
Explore Technology Solutions: Discover a variety of technology tools and interventions designed to address executive functioning difficulties.
Select Appropriate Tools: Learn how to select and tailor technology tools based on individual students' needs and challenges.
Implement Strategies: Acquire practical strategies and lesson plans for incorporating technology into teaching and parenting to enhance executive functioning.
Foster Engagement: Understand how technology can engage and motivate students, making learning enjoyable and effective.
Support Special Needs: Explore assistive technology options for students with special needs, ensuring inclusivity.
Promote Lifelong Learning: Recognize how technology can instill good study habits and lifelong learning skills.
Educational Challenge/Situation:
Many students struggle with executive functioning skills, which can hinder their academic success and daily life. The educational challenge is to provide students with the necessary tools and strategies to overcome these difficulties and thrive in their learning environments.
Technology Intervention:
Various technology interventions, including digital task managers, calendar apps, note-taking apps, gamified study techniques, and more, are introduced to help students enhance their executive functioning skills.
Models Employed:
The presentation employs a pedagogical model that is learner-centered, allowing participants to actively engage with technology tools and strategies. It encourages collaboration and interactive discussions to facilitate effective learning.
Lesson Plans/Instructional Activities/Strategies Employed:
Case Studies: Real-life case studies of students with executive functioning difficulties demonstrate the impact of technology interventions.
Hands-On Demonstrations: Participants are provided with hands-on demonstrations of various technology tools and apps to explore their functionality.
Interactive Discussions: Q&A sessions and interactive discussions foster participant engagement and knowledge sharing.
Resource Lists: Participants receive curated lists of resources, including articles, videos, and apps, to support their continued learning and implementation.
Evidence of Success:
The success of this presentation is measured through participant feedback, engagement levels, and post-presentation surveys. Evidence of success includes positive testimonials from educators and parents who have implemented technology-based strategies to improve their students' or children's executive functioning skills. Additionally, success is reflected in the increased adoption of technology tools and interventions in educational settings and homes, leading to improved executive functioning and academic outcomes for students.
I. Introduction (5 minutes)
Welcome and overview of the presentation.
Brief explanation of executive functioning and its significance.
Introduction of the educational challenge: Supporting students with executive functioning difficulties.
II. Understanding Executive Functioning (10 minutes)
Definition and components of executive functioning.
Significance of executive functioning in academic success.
Interactive poll or quiz on executive functioning.
III. Challenges Faced by Students (10 minutes)
Identification of common challenges students encounter related to executive functioning.
Impact of these challenges on academic performance and daily life.
Real-life examples and anecdotes.
IV. Technology as a Solution (15 minutes)
Introduction to the role of technology in addressing executive functioning challenges.
Overview of the technology interventions to be discussed.
Interactive discussion on participants' experiences with technology.
V. Technology Tools for Executive Functioning (25 minutes)
Subsection 1: Digital Task Managers and To-Do Lists (5 minutes)
Explanation and demonstration of task management apps.
Participants explore a task management app of their choice.
Subsection 2: Calendar Apps and Reminder Features (5 minutes)
Introduction to calendar apps and their benefits.
Live demonstration of setting reminders.
Subsection 3: Note-Taking Apps for Enhanced Organization (5 minutes)
Explanation of note-taking apps and their organizational features.
Participants try a note-taking app.
Subsection 4: Digital Mind Mapping Tools for Planning (5 minutes)
Introduction to mind mapping tools.
Interactive activity: Participants create a digital mind map.
Subsection 5: Homework and Assignment Apps (5 minutes)
Showcase homework and assignment apps.
Brief hands-on exploration.
VI. Gamified Study Techniques (10 minutes)
Explanation of gamified study techniques.
Showcase of educational games and apps.
Participants engage in a brief gamified activity.
VII. Time Management Tools (10 minutes)
Introduction to time management apps and the Pomodoro Technique.
Live demonstration of a time management app.
Participants try a Pomodoro Technique timer app.
VIII. Digital Habit-Building Apps (10 minutes)
Explanation of habit-building apps.
Overview of habit formation techniques.
Participants identify habits they want to build and explore relevant apps.
IX. Assistive Technology for Special Needs (10 minutes)
Introduction to assistive technology for students with special needs.
Showcase of apps and devices.
Interactive discussion on inclusivity in education.
X. Parental Involvement in Tech Use (5 minutes)
Importance of parental guidance in tech usage.
Tips and recommendations for parents.
Q&A session with parents in the audience.
XI. Conclusion and Path Forward (5 minutes)
Summary of key takeaways from the presentation.
Emphasis on the role of technology in the future of education.
Encouragement for participants to explore and implement technology-based solutions.
Thanking the audience for their participation.
XII. Q&A Session (15 minutes)
Open floor for questions and discussions.
Sharing of participant experiences and insights.
Further guidance and resources provided as needed.
XIII. Additional Resources (5 minutes)
Distribution of resource lists, including articles, videos, and app recommendations.
Encouragement for participants to continue learning and exploring technology solutions.
XIV. Closing Remarks (5 minutes)
Thanking participants for their attendance and engagement.
Contact information for follow-up inquiries.
Acknowledgment of the potential impact of technology on executive functioning and learning.
References
Smith, S. J., Bangs, M., Nisbet, M., & Capell, K. (2018). Investigating the effectiveness of task management apps for improving executive function in college students. Journal of Special Education Technology, 33(2), 93-104.
Johnson, S. (2019). How to use calendar apps for students with ADHD. Edutopia. Link
Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The pen is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking. Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159-1168.
Parrish, A. (2017). Mind mapping: A tool for every critical thinking and writing task. EdSurge. Link
EdTechTeacher. (2021). Homework and assignment apps to keep students organized. [Video] Link
Hamari, J., Koivisto, J., & Sarsa, H. (2014). Does gamification work
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