Teachers Harness Technology to Boost Classroom Engagement
In a striking example of teamwork and innovation, third-grade teachers Jasmine Lawrence and Kim Crank have partnered with Educational Technologist Jessica Buckley to integrate cutting-edge technology into their classrooms. Their joint effort has resulted in adopting an interactive tool called Flashcard Factory, which is revolutionizing how their students learn and interact with educational material. This collaboration has sparked a lively learning atmosphere where student participation thrives. Flashcard Factory lets kids team up to craft, share, and study flashcards in an engaging, game-like format, fostering teamwork and sharpening communication skills while drilling key concepts and vocabulary.
“Working with Jessica has been a game-changer,” said Lawrence. “Her know-how in educational tech has helped us weave the tool into our lessons seamlessly, and the kids are more fired up about learning than ever.” As a result, students collaborate to build flashcards on critical topics, deepening their grasp of the material while taking charge of their education. The finished products can be printed for old-school review or shared online with peers and parents alike. “The excitement in the classroom is palpable,” Buckley added. “It’s incredible to watch technology turn learning into something interactive and enjoyable.”
This innovation doesn’t stop at the classroom door. By making printable flashcards available, the tool invites parents to join the learning journey, strengthening the home-school link that reinforces classroom lessons and sets students up for success. “Technology can truly reshape education,” Lawrence noted. “We’re eager to keep finding fresh ways to captivate our students and fuel their achievements.”
DoDEA Americas champions STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) projects to spark creativity and sharpen problem-solving skills in students. This classroom initiative, led by Lawrence and Crank, reflects those goals by weaving technology into the learning process. While DoDEA doesn’t endorse specific commercial tools, the broader takeaway stands out: tech-savvy teaching can nurture dynamic, future-ready learners. Lawrence and Crank demonstrate a deep commitment to delivering top-tier education through their innovative use of technology. They create a classroom where students don’t just learn—they thrive, equipped with the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
