Speaking and listening go hand in hand in the classroom, but not without stumbling blocks. Our upcoming #ILAchat will focus on speaking and listening, including tips on how to integrate technology into the practice and how to overcome challenges like introverted students who are hesitant to raise their hands.

Karen Lirenman, a K–2 teacher in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, is an avid user of technology in the classroom. She engages her students globally by applying video conferencing, Twitter, and class blogs into an educational setting. She uses technological outlets to facilitate students’ discussions and to introduce them to tech skills.

As a Google Certified teacher and an Apple Distinguished Teacher, Karen views technology as immensely beneficial for students. She says, “Technology allows learners to add voice to their work. Through voice we can better hear student thinking, particularly for those students who have trouble expressing themselves in written word.”

“One of the challenges with speaking and listening is too many educators still feel only one person should talk at a time and the rest should listen. Far more learning takes place when something as simple as an entire class turns and talks, which allows all to speak at the same time.”

Karen discusses the importance of using technology to help student voice shine through and to enhance students’ speaking and listening capabilities. By harnessing technological tools such as tablets and laptops, students are able to show their knowledge through a variety of platforms.

Join @ILAToday on May 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Make sure to hashtag #ILAchat to keep the conversation going!

Morgan Ratner is ILA’s communications assistant.