How to Engage Introverts Using Technology

How To Use Technology In TheClassroom To Engage Introverts

Technology is a great way to engage more introverted students in the classroom. No matter what you teach, differentiated learning with technology is a great way to get those more shy and introverted kids involved in classroom activities and responses. Technology can also give them the opportunity to showcase their talents and proficiency without putting them on the spot.

So, what exactly is the difference between an introvert and an extrovert? Well, it depends on who you talk to, but there are a few different ways that you can define the difference. One definition of an introvert is that they are recharged when they are by themselves, while an extrovert prefers groups and can gain momentum and energy with groups. When I teach students the
difference between the two, some kids will say that introverts hate people, but really, introverts just prefer a few close friends and small groups, while extroverts have a lot of friends and prefer large groups. At the same time, a person can be an outgoing introvert or a shy extrovert. The more out there with a lot of connections you have, the more successful you may be. So how do we as teachers support and engage more shy students and introverts in the classroom to help them be more successful?

Using Polling Applications For Q&A

There are so many applications that give teachers new ways to engage students in the classroom. Here is a link to a list of some of the best survey and polling technology for the classroom! With this type of tech, the teachers and the students benefit. You can ask questions and get answers in real time to see how well students are understanding the lesson.

Piazza is an application that allows students to ask questions anonymously so they may feel more free to express themselves and their questions without being put on the spot during class.

PollEverywhere, in addition to allowing multiple choice questions, you can brainstorm ideas and see the most popular rise to the top. You can have students ask questions and then vote on which question is the most relevant or popular with the students.

Sli.do Is one of the best sources out there for crowdsourcing questions.

Differentiated Learning With Technology

Another thing to be aware of with introverted students is to give more varied options for participation in class as well as how they may present their projects. Here are some ideas different ways an introverted student could present

A presentation could be pre-recorded as a video or a voice-over.

Students could use Glogster to create a poster.

Build relationships and communities with students through technology. If a student is painfully shy or can’t work in a group, then make the group smaller, use different ways to communicate online. Make fun activities with technology like a meme-making-project.

What kinds of ways do you try and engage introverted students? How do you build a better classroom community with technology?