We are very fortunate at AskMyClass. Besides helping teachers create a positive classroom experience, we’re also connected to some of the most forward-thinking educators across the country, including a few trailblazers exploring the potential of voice technology and AI.
We’re excited to introduce you to one of those trailblazers, Rebecca Dwenger. With more than 21 years of teaching experience and a passion for cutting edge technology, Rebecca works with teachers and administrators to improve their productivity and learning. Her fields of expertise include instructional design, voice assistants for education, and differentiation.
AMC: Where you always into technology? especially for education?
Rebecca: I’ve always been interested in technology. In my classroom I was always the first one to try out anything and everything… I watched as technology in my classroom became a game changer for many of my students. That experience led me to pursue the job I am in presently.
AMC: How did you get started with voice technology?
Rebecca: During the 2016–2017 school year I took a risk and introduced Alexa as a classroom tool during our monthly Technology Leadership Council at Hamilton County Education Service Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was a little ahead of the Alexa wave and didn’t gain much traction until August of 2017. My colleague Joe and I gained interest in our area after he introduced Alexa to a room full of curriculum leaders around the Cincinnati area. Our professional development integrating Alexa into the classroom took off and the rest is history. Joe and I presented on Alexa at ISTE in 2018, OETC (Ohio’s Tech Conference), and will be back at ISTE this year. I created the hashtag #Alexa4Edu because I want educators and voice leaders to be able to learn from each other and contribute to a shared vision. I also am finishing up an Alexa pilot of six preschool classrooms measuring student engagement.
AMC: What was that lightbulb moment that this was going to be a very valuable tool in the classroom?
Rebecca: I’ve had Alexa in my home since 2015. My youngest son Grayden has some attention and language challenges associated with Epilepsy. After school one day he asked Alexa the definition of a word while he was reading instead of asking me. I was like “whoa” and the rest is history. It has made a world of difference since he doesn’t have to stop his reading or working to get help. In this moment I knew Alexa and voice speakers would be a helpful classroom tool.
AMC: How have you promoted the use of Alexa?
Rebecca: I promote Alexa as a tool for teacher productivity, student engagement, many student benefits, and more recently as a student creation tool. Teachers have a lot on their plate and showing them how to set reminders, alarms, and routines wins them over! The Ask My Class transitions and body breaks help teachers not waste precious class time searching yet gives students a quick engaging activity. Student engagement equals increased learning. Students aren’t just engaged the first time they use Alexa it continues, and I have yet to see it wain.
Students aren’t just engaged the first time they use Alexa it continues, and I have yet to see it wain.
One consistent benefit I have seen firsthand and received feedback on is how student’s speech and language improves as they interact with Alexa. Artificial Intelligence awareness and use has skyrocketed lately. Students today will be solving future problems using this technology so why not begin now. I promote student voice creation since their future jobs will use voice technology.
AMC: What has surprised you the most?
Rebecca: I have to tell this story! This year I am supporting a teacher at a high school for autistic students that is using Alexa in her classroom. This teacher shared with me that one of her students that has been mute for some time started talking to Alexa! I mean doesn’t that just give you a warm feeling inside? Those stories (I have many) keep me super passionate about Alexa in education.
Those stories (I have many) keep me super passionate about Alexa in education.
AMC: Favorite skill?
Rebecca: This is a hard question. I have so many favorites. If I have to pick just one it is Akinator. You think of a real or fictional character and it asks you questions until it is ready to guess your character. This skill can be used in most content areas and grade levels. I just love it for It’s simplicity and versatility. Students love trying to stump it. Engagement=Learning
AMC: What’s missing? What skill would you like to see?
Rebecca: Oh, I have so many ideas…. I’d want to see a skill that would help a weakness I see in my practice as an instructional technology coach, reflection! So, what about a skill that helps teachers or even students reflect on their day, lesson, or activity… Reflection is so important, yet our teachers don’t get the time. So, Alexa could ask questions about your lesson or activity. Basically, guide them through reflection.
AMC: What’s your prediction for voice technology 5 years from now?
Rebecca: I predict voice technology will be in nearly all types of applications within five years. I even read an article recently about it replacing our keyboards. Jobs that require writing for voice technology will infiltrate businesses and education. Voice technology in education specifically will become more personalized.
More about Rebecca Dwenger
Rebecca’s educational background includes a Master’s degree in Instructional Design & Technology from Miami University, a bachelor’s degree in education, an Ohio Department of Education Technology Endorsement on her license, and is an ISTE Certified Educator.
Her most recent work includes creating and launching an online micro-credential ecosystem for professional development, integrating voice activated devices into the classroom, instructional technology coaching, and managing a district G Suite Console. She has presented at ITIP Google Summit, Learn21, High Aims, 4Cs Conference, OETC, 2018 & 2019 ISTE conferences, and recently completed ISTE’s Artificial Intelligence Course.
Rebecca will be presenting at ISTE, check out more details here: 15 Ways to Use Alexa in Your Classroom Today!
You can follow Rebecca on Twitter @Rebecca_Dwenger and check out #Alexa4Edu. Here’s Rebecca’s website.
