I was the technology facilitator for Mingo County and saw teachers using many different technology tools in their classrooms. They used Intelliboards, document cameras, mobile labs, digital cameras, iPods, and more. We can use tools like this to help keep our students engaged while still having an impact on their learning. I look forward to hearing ways that you are integrating technology into your classrooms as well.
I'm probably hard headed about using technology a whole bunch. I've used document cameras some and done some internet assignments in the computer labs. I can't find as many lessons on Driver Ed. on internet.
I was fortunate enough to receive a smartboard before this year was over. I really enjoyed using it because it keeps the kids interested in what we are doing. I also allowed them to present their last projects on the board if they desired to do so. I also scheduled the computer lab a few times this year, in which I hope to do so more next year. I also hope to learn more about the boards so that I can share my knowledge with other teachers and students as well.
As an elementary school media specialist, my students and I have used technology for over a decade to look up materials and resources on the computer and Internet. With the new whiteboard technology, I have shown the students how to use the library catalog, Accelerated Reader, and other resources. The students are much more attentive when the whiteboard is used. They like the interactive aspect of it.
Much of my work, as a Speech Pathologist, in the past has been very therapy driven. I've used very little technology directly with the students. I use a lot of web sites for gaining information, downloading therapy ideas, tracking progress, etc. Recently, our county has began utilizing Speech therapist more in the classroom with RTI, Phonemic Awareness, Co-teaching with preschool special needs, etc. and this is the reason for my interest in this class. I have so much to learn about integrating students and technology. Our school does have smart boards in most regular education rooms, and of course much of our staff development is presented with this technology (but not by me directly). I began this spring trying to get all Wayne county therapist and our supervisor to respond to state web-mail (their access.k12 accounts). By June 8, only 3 returned a message that they were using the web mail. I do not have "technology" in my therapy room except a computer with internet access.(More than some therapists)
This past year i worked with the students two days a week in the computer lab and two in the library/media center. I helped the students in using programs like Odyssey, Writing Road map and Accuity. I also used the whiteboard to demonstrate how to use the card catalog and soem other sites that the teachers found helpful.
As a Title I math teacher I was able to incorporate some technology into my small group instruction because I was lucky enough to receive tech training from our county. The TitleI Math teachers each got a tablet, airliner, data projector, and Flip camera. The classroom teachers in my building each had a smartboard, which I would borrow some and the students would play the math games that went along with the math program. The students enjoyed playing these games on the smartboard and forgot they were doing math! I plan on using the airliner more next year since I don't have a smartboard
Until this year I must admit that I had convinced myself that I just did not have time for this in the day, but after experiementing with my very "computer savy " 5th graders, I must say that technology will always play a vital role in my teaching style. My students completed several research projects using the computer and then put them into Power Point format to be presented to the class one the Smartboard, we used the smartboard for morning work every morning, and we also found several very educational sites such as Spelling City to using during small group instruction. I was also able to use an Elmo towards the end of the year and the students were able to lead lessons when we were reviewing for state testing instead of just listening to me. This something that I would love to have the tools to do more often. We also had 2 days a week that we would spend about an hour a day in the computer lab. There we would work on programs such as Study Island, Writing Roadmap,and so on.
As educators we have tough competitors such as the DS, playstation, Wii, Wii Fit,PS3, and XBOX to name a few. It is hard for the student to change channels from the fast paced technology they use everyday to the "old time" teaching style. So, as time changes, people change, technology advances and we must too in order to compete with our competitors and to compete globally. As a fairly young teacher, finishing my 6th year I find myself, unfortunately, often resisting this change, and having to keep a mindful focus on not to teach the way I was taught. Kids are different today and will continue to be different tomorrow. This year I was so fortunate to get a smartboard. The hardest part for me on getting this was where to decide to let them hang it in my room, as I had to loose board space. Little did I know, I would rarely ever use my white boards anymore. The smartboard allowed me to involve the kids in their learning interactively and bring technology to their fingertips. I also have used a smartboard, and take the kids to the computer lab once a week for about an hour to use different programs-mainly writing roadmap. We have been told, the school will be working on purchsing a mobile lab in the near future for us!
I was "just a sub" this past school year. So, I will say that the classrooms that had the Smart Boards had an advantage. Just turning them on got the students on task. I look forward to using a lot of technology next fall.
The technical tools that I have used began with what most would now-a-days consider stone age technology! I have used slide projectors, overheads, Ultimate wireless (projecting what is on my computer to the class room monitor), VCR, DVD, audio tapes, Elmo, laptops. I will use any and all technology to help my students learn. I even use color overlays when using the overhead, because it helps those with learning disability to focus better when you cover up a transparencey with yellow or light green, or pink. I play softly classical music during exams. I want to do know if a student has learned the material, I am more concern in receiving homework so I have students who turn in their homework on paper, graphing paper, disk, etc. I have worked with teachers that only will accept homework if it is on college ruled white paper and in blue or black ink. My students can use black paper and any color ink or gel pens including red. I will do or try anything. Everyone of these devices has enhanced the learning process. The one that the students are so impress with is allowing themselves to express their choice in the method of doing their homework in. Just giving the choice of pen color has had a wonderful effect and results.
With music, the technical tools are based around music itself. Tools such as Finale (music writing software), Itunes, Ipod's, Protools (recording program) CD's etc... These tools are a very important part of students learning and almost more important, these tool keep students involved and loving music! My last lesson before school was out for the summer was so funny. I found a old record player and had a few vinyl's laying around at the house... The middle school kids didn't know what to think. They had never before seen anything like it. The interest and enthusiasm that day was incredible. It's funny to think how far we have came since the old vinyl record days...
I have used technology in my classroom from the beginning of my teaching experience. I did not become a teacher until after my 3 children all graduated from high school. I spent over 20 years in the business world where I used computers on a daily basis, so it was only natural to include there use in my classroom. My 1st teaching assignment was an Elementary School were we only had one computer in my classroom, but we put it to good use by rotating students. My remaining years have been spent teaching Middle and High School were we have utilized a lot of technology. My students have used the web for research to prepare PowerPoint and Movie Maker presentations. They have used digital cameras, scanners, corel, Ipods (for Podcasts), Word to create storyboards, brochures, and cards. They have created advertisements using paint. They have used Publisher to create an art newsletter with clip art and pictures. They have created stories using PhotoStory3. I was yearbook advisor and my students used vertual on-line software from both Walsworth and Josten to complete the yearbook. They also used Pagemaker and a Mac program (I don't remember the name of the software!) to create a DVD for the yearbook. I also taught 4th through 8th grade keyboarding and computer classes. The lower grades used typing software and Word and PowerPoint along with learning to access the web for projects. My upper level students learned advanced use of Word, and basic use of Excel and Access along with PowerPoint. They used the web for research for projects and scavenger hunts. I have a whiteboard (I think others are calling this a smartboard). I make and use PowerPoint presentations a lot. We have computer labs, but scheduling is sometimes a problem. So I usually use the 6 computers in my room and rotate students or use the computers in the library. My experience with students and technology has been very positive. Students like the computer time and seem to retain more information when they have to find it for themselves. They like trying new things. The downside is keeping them on task and off of sites that have nothing to do with the projects! Another problem is when they are absent and have to make up assignments. If they do not have access to a computer at home, it is very difficult to make up missed work. They do sometimes have difficulty finding the information that they need. I hope to learn new ways to help them find the information they need quickly.
I am the Technology Director for my county so I don't work with the students directly everyday. In my job, I get to listen to teacher needs and purchase the necessary technology equipment for their classrooms and the schools. Most of my classrooms have SMART boards, use of document cameras, digital camcorders/cameras, mobile laptop labs, slates, and mp3 players. When I walk through the school, I love to see how engaged the students are in their classrooms now and how the mobile labs are really helping teachers/students have more 1:1 computer time. Teacher always tell me how students actively engage in discussions now just in case that means they may get to use the classroom technology. All of this makes this Technology Director very happy!
I have used a wide variety of technology over the past several years. Two years ago, I was technology coordinator for Calhoun County Schools. That position allowed me to not only use a great deal of technology, but allowed me time to “test” it, and show it to teachers throughout the county. While I loved the Smart boards and several of you have spoken very highly of them…I did use and experiment with a program/hardware called Quizdoms. This product allowed me to give a wide variety of assessments while providing both myself and students with immediate, worthwhile results. I used this product in conjunction with data notebooks. These notebooks created an initial level and allowed for benchmark testing throughout the year. Students recorded their scores and were able to show and explain improvements or areas of weakness in several areas. The quizdoms are a small little responder that each student in the class uses, the instructor uses a program that accompanies the product to create questions that are presented with a data projector, and students respond to the question and know immediately if they answered correctly. At the end of the “quiz” the students can record their scores for later use.
I try to integrate technology as much as I can for more than the "mandatory reasons". I find that the students love it. As I watch them with their cell phones, ipods, and games, I get it; this is their world- this is how they learn. Do you realize that the students that graduated from high school this past year never knew a time without the internet. Life is so different and changing so quickly it is hard to keep up. So like it or not, this is where we are. Remember I teach PE. I use a variety of gamming systems (DDR, PS2, WII, etc) to introduce skills and to master some and to make modifications for students with physical limitations. We do research on units we are currently working on. Like finding the world's fastest runner when we do track. Or the health risk related to obesity when we cover body composition. I use the online Mighty Milers running program throughout the year to help encourage students to stay active. We use digital cameras at races, and big events we then display these pictures with digital projectors during cerimonies. I use an ELMO during instruction to better explain my point. I hope to start integrating digital portfolios soon.
Our elementary schools are fortunate. All 1-4th grade classrooms have a whiteboard bundle. K classes have an ELMO and projector. We have at least 1 mobile lab and 1 stationary lab per school, student responders, digital cameras, and various online subscriptions. It depends on the teachers as to the impact on student learning, but I would have to say the motivation definitely improves when they know the technology is involved. My favorite project is a digital camera scavenger hunt for core concepts like: an example of a law, when you would need to subtract with regrouping, an example of environmentalism, etc. The presentations were great, and the students had to work together.
I substituted a vacancy in the Business Department at the High School for most of this past school year. I taught Business Computer Applications and Keyboarding. In both courses the students used the computer daily. In the BCA classes the students used Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. In the Keyboarding classes, the students, on occasion, used the internet for keyboarding activities/games that improved their speed and accuracy. The students seemed to respond favorably to these types of activities. (I did notice that when some students would text a friend after school, they were like high speed computer hackers, yet in class these same students would "hen peck".) I also used the Smart board daily to post the assignment and/or examples/demonstrations.
Upon completion of the assigned readings, I realize how far behind I have fallen in a few short years. I was a substitute teacher and then began working another job. I have decided to start substituting again in the fall and realize how technology has surpassed me while I have been away.
First and foremost, I think it is imperative that educators become "experts" in the field of New Literacy. Effective strategies must be implemented by the teacher; however, this will not work if the educator is not comfortable with this medium. With the ever changing world of technology, educators must stay ahead of the curve in order to better serve their students. I know that I must get myself up to speed on this topic.
Effectively teaching the students to "take charge" of their own learning should be easy to do once the basic strategies for doing this are taught to the students. I realize how important it is for me to stay on top of the latest strategies for learning 21 Century skills and incorporating them into my daily lessons.
My favorite use of technology in my classroom is when I do income taxes with my Seniors. We first practice with 1040, 1040ez and 1040a forms. Then they open up accounts on turbotax.com and practice doing their taxes on their own. Most students are amazed with how easy turbotax is to use and don't understand why their parents pay someone to do their taxes.
The TIS training from 2006 enabled me to loan and use an Intelliboard, a laptop, and an LCD projector. I have collaborated with many subject area teachers using these tools, but my favorite collaborations Intelliboard-wise have been with teachers of students with IEP's. It has been fascinating and uplifting to watch students who normally manifest little self-esteem realize that they can be classroom leaders by demonstrating their ability to use the Intelliboard successfully. Then, because they are gaining confidence during the lesson, they listen more intently to instruction and are more inclined to accept and welcome directions.
I teach a computer basics class to adults from the community and I use the smart board to demonstrate skills before the students try them. Like, what will happen if you click the minimize button, etc. The students enjoy seeing it on the smart board before they turn to their own computers to try it out. I also use email as a cornerstone of the class. We set up free accounts at Yahoo, then we use emails to link them to fun sites as well as ones about phishing and identity theft/internet safety, etc. It's a very successful class and one that's enjoyable to teach, and when the students leave, they have the ability to keep on learning.
As a TIS (technology integration specialist) for Kanawha County School, I have used a variety of technical tools with my students. One of my favorite tools to use is an AirLiner. It is like a moble SMART Board. I can use it with any computer and it will work just like you have a SMART Board however, you do not need to be connected to the board. It can be passes around the room with easy form student to student. The students enjoy working with the board on any type of activity. They can be involved with teh activity and truely have a hands on approach to learning. Even the students who are below level are able to use this tool. They can be part of the lesson and have a cance to take part even it they do not know the answer. Because the AirLiner is passed around the room students stay more focused then normal.
Well lets see in my health class I use powerpoint to guide us along through the chapter on a regular basis. I have used websites I have found to supplement certain parts of chapters and projected these sites onto a dry erase board for all to see. I have used our mobile lab to conduct online search projects. I use the OLD SCHOOL DVD player to show videos such as child birth. Hmm I use the computer to create a review jeopardy for every chapter. I just got an elmo at the end of the year that I may or my not have now due to the flood...I hadn't even got to try it out. :( I think that's about it...but resources are getting better...but are still limited...so I work with what I have.
When I was actually in the classroom, I used elmos, digital projectors, smartboards, several different software applications, as well as the internet. The students seemed more engaged as they viewed this type of instruction more as a game than actual learning.
You name it and I have probably used it. We have use ipods, cell phones, computers, my homemade Wii smart board, blabberize, wordle, blogs, wikis, digital storytelling. We have worked with audio, video, still images and created self portrait music videos. We've interviewed local business persons and created publisher newsletters and advertisements for their businesses.
I was the technology facilitator for Mingo County and saw teachers using many different technology tools in their classrooms. They used Intelliboards, document cameras, mobile labs, digital cameras, iPods, and more. We can use tools like this to help keep our students engaged while still having an impact on their learning. I look forward to hearing ways that you are integrating technology into your classrooms as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably hard headed about using technology a whole bunch. I've used document cameras some and done some internet assignments in the computer labs. I can't find as many lessons on Driver Ed. on internet.
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to receive a smartboard before this year was over. I really enjoyed using it because it keeps the kids interested in what we are doing. I also allowed them to present their last projects on the board if they desired to do so.
ReplyDeleteI also scheduled the computer lab a few times this year, in which I hope to do so more next year. I also hope to learn more about the boards so that I can share my knowledge with other teachers and students as well.
As an elementary school media specialist, my students and I have used technology for over a decade to look up materials and resources on the computer and Internet. With the new whiteboard technology, I have shown the students how to use the library catalog, Accelerated Reader, and other resources. The students are much more attentive when the whiteboard is used. They like the interactive aspect of it.
ReplyDeleteMuch of my work, as a Speech Pathologist, in the past has been very therapy driven. I've used very little technology directly with the students. I use a lot of web sites for gaining information, downloading therapy ideas, tracking progress, etc. Recently, our county has began utilizing Speech therapist more in the classroom with RTI, Phonemic Awareness, Co-teaching with preschool special needs, etc. and this is the reason for my interest in this class. I have so much to learn about integrating students and technology. Our school does have smart boards in most regular education rooms, and of course much of our staff development is presented with this technology (but not by me directly). I began this spring trying to get all Wayne county therapist and our supervisor to respond to state web-mail (their access.k12 accounts). By June 8, only 3 returned a message that they were using the web mail. I do not have "technology" in my therapy room except a computer with internet access.(More than some therapists)
ReplyDeleteThis past year i worked with the students two days a week in the computer lab and two in the library/media center. I helped the students in using programs like Odyssey, Writing Road map and Accuity. I also used the whiteboard to demonstrate how to use the card catalog and soem other sites that the teachers found helpful.
ReplyDeleteAs a Title I math teacher I was able to incorporate some technology into my small group instruction because I was lucky enough to receive tech training from our county. The TitleI Math teachers each got a tablet, airliner, data projector, and Flip camera. The classroom teachers in my building each had a smartboard, which I would borrow some and the students would play the math games that went along with the math program. The students enjoyed playing these games on the smartboard and forgot they were doing math! I plan on using the airliner more next year since I don't have a smartboard
ReplyDeleteUntil this year I must admit that I had convinced myself that I just did not have time for this in the day, but after experiementing with my very "computer savy " 5th graders, I must say that technology will always play a vital role in my teaching style. My students completed several research projects using the computer and then put them into Power Point format to be presented to the class one the Smartboard, we used the smartboard for morning work every morning, and we also found several very educational sites such as Spelling City to using during small group instruction. I was also able to use an Elmo towards the end of the year and the students were able to lead lessons when we were reviewing for state testing instead of just listening to me. This something that I would love to have the tools to do more often. We also had 2 days a week that we would spend about an hour a day in the computer lab. There we would work on programs such as Study Island, Writing Roadmap,and so on.
ReplyDeleteTesting!
ReplyDeleteLinda Moser
As educators we have tough competitors such as the DS, playstation, Wii, Wii Fit,PS3, and XBOX to name a few. It is hard for the student to change channels from the fast paced technology they use everyday to the "old time" teaching style. So, as time changes, people change, technology advances and we must too in order to compete with our competitors and to compete globally. As a fairly young teacher, finishing my 6th year I find myself, unfortunately, often resisting this change, and having to keep a mindful focus on not to teach the way I was taught. Kids are different today and will continue to be different tomorrow. This year I was so fortunate to get a smartboard. The hardest part for me on getting this was where to decide to let them hang it in my room, as I had to loose board space. Little did I know, I would rarely ever use my white boards anymore. The smartboard allowed me to involve the kids in their learning interactively and bring technology to their fingertips. I also have used a smartboard, and take the kids to the computer lab once a week for about an hour to use different programs-mainly writing roadmap. We have been told, the school will be working on purchsing a mobile lab in the near future for us!
ReplyDeleteI was "just a sub" this past school year. So, I will say that the classrooms that had the Smart Boards had an advantage. Just turning them on got the students on task. I look forward to using a lot of technology next fall.
ReplyDeleteThe technical tools that I have used began with what most would now-a-days consider stone age technology! I have used slide projectors, overheads, Ultimate wireless (projecting what is on my computer to the class room monitor), VCR, DVD, audio tapes, Elmo, laptops. I will use any and all technology to help my students learn. I even use color overlays when using the overhead, because it helps those with learning disability to focus better when you cover up a transparencey with yellow or light green, or pink. I play softly classical music during exams. I want to do know if a student has learned the material, I am more concern in receiving homework so I have students who turn in their homework on paper, graphing paper, disk, etc. I have worked with teachers that only will accept homework if it is on college ruled white paper and in blue or black ink. My students can use black paper and any color ink or gel pens including red. I will do or try anything. Everyone of these devices has enhanced the learning process. The one that the students are so impress with is allowing themselves to express their choice in the method of doing their homework in. Just giving the choice of pen color has had a wonderful effect and results.
ReplyDeleteWith music, the technical tools are based around music itself. Tools such as Finale (music writing software), Itunes, Ipod's, Protools (recording program) CD's etc... These tools are a very important part of students learning and almost more important, these tool keep students involved and loving music! My last lesson before school was out for the summer was so funny. I found a old record player and had a few vinyl's laying around at the house... The middle school kids didn't know what to think. They had never before seen anything like it. The interest and enthusiasm that day was incredible. It's funny to think how far we have came since the old vinyl record days...
ReplyDeleteI have used technology in my classroom from the beginning of my teaching experience. I did not become a teacher until after my 3 children all graduated from high school. I spent over 20 years in the business world where I used computers on a daily basis, so it was only natural to include there use in my classroom. My 1st teaching assignment was an Elementary School were we only had one computer in my classroom, but we put it to good use by rotating students. My remaining years have been spent teaching Middle and High School were we have utilized a lot of technology. My students have used the web for research to prepare PowerPoint and Movie Maker presentations. They have used digital cameras, scanners, corel, Ipods (for Podcasts), Word to create storyboards, brochures, and cards. They have created advertisements using paint. They have used Publisher to create an art newsletter with clip art and pictures. They have created stories using PhotoStory3. I was yearbook advisor and my students used vertual on-line software from both Walsworth and Josten to complete the yearbook. They also used Pagemaker and a Mac program (I don't remember the name of the software!) to create a DVD for the yearbook. I also taught 4th through 8th grade keyboarding and computer classes. The lower grades used typing software and Word and PowerPoint along with learning to access the web for projects. My upper level students learned advanced use of Word, and basic use of Excel and Access along with PowerPoint. They used the web for research for projects and scavenger hunts. I have a whiteboard (I think others are calling this a smartboard). I make and use PowerPoint presentations a lot. We have computer labs, but scheduling is sometimes a problem. So I usually use the 6 computers in my room and rotate students or use the computers in the library. My experience with students and technology has been very positive. Students like the computer time and seem to retain more information when they have to find it for themselves. They like trying new things. The downside is keeping them on task and off of sites that have nothing to do with the projects! Another problem is when they are absent and have to make up assignments. If they do not have access to a computer at home, it is very difficult to make up missed work. They do sometimes have difficulty finding the information that they need. I hope to learn new ways to help them find the information they need quickly.
ReplyDeleteI am the Technology Director for my county so I don't work with the students directly everyday. In my job, I get to listen to teacher needs and purchase the necessary technology equipment for their classrooms and the schools. Most of my classrooms have SMART boards, use of document cameras, digital camcorders/cameras, mobile laptop labs, slates, and mp3 players. When I walk through the school, I love to see how engaged the students are in their classrooms now and how the mobile labs are really helping teachers/students have more 1:1 computer time. Teacher always tell me how students actively engage in discussions now just in case that means they may get to use the classroom technology. All of this makes this Technology Director very happy!
ReplyDeleteI have used a wide variety of technology over the past several years. Two years ago, I was technology coordinator for Calhoun County Schools. That position allowed me to not only use a great deal of technology, but allowed me time to “test” it, and show it to teachers throughout the county. While I loved the Smart boards and several of you have spoken very highly of them…I did use and experiment with a program/hardware called Quizdoms. This product allowed me to give a wide variety of assessments while providing both myself and students with immediate, worthwhile results. I used this product in conjunction with data notebooks. These notebooks created an initial level and allowed for benchmark testing throughout the year. Students recorded their scores and were able to show and explain improvements or areas of weakness in several areas. The quizdoms are a small little responder that each student in the class uses, the instructor uses a program that accompanies the product to create questions that are presented with a data projector, and students respond to the question and know immediately if they answered correctly. At the end of the “quiz” the students can record their scores for later use.
ReplyDeleteI try to integrate technology as much as I can for more than the "mandatory reasons". I find that the students love it. As I watch them with their cell phones, ipods, and games, I get it; this is their world- this is how they learn. Do you realize that the students that graduated from high school this past year never knew a time without the internet. Life is so different and changing so quickly it is hard to keep up. So like it or not, this is where we are.
ReplyDeleteRemember I teach PE. I use a variety of gamming systems (DDR, PS2, WII, etc) to introduce skills and to master some and to make modifications for students with physical limitations. We do research on units we are currently working on. Like finding the world's fastest runner when we do track. Or the health risk related to obesity when we cover body composition. I use the online Mighty Milers running program throughout the year to help encourage students to stay active. We use digital cameras at races, and big events we then display these pictures with digital projectors during cerimonies. I use an ELMO during instruction to better explain my point. I hope to start integrating digital portfolios soon.
Our elementary schools are fortunate. All 1-4th grade classrooms have a whiteboard bundle. K classes have an ELMO and projector. We have at least 1 mobile lab and 1 stationary lab per school, student responders, digital cameras, and various online subscriptions. It depends on the teachers as to the impact on student learning, but I would have to say the motivation definitely improves when they know the technology is involved. My favorite project is a digital camera scavenger hunt for core concepts like: an example of a law, when you would need to subtract with regrouping, an example of environmentalism, etc. The presentations were great, and the students had to work together.
ReplyDeleteI substituted a vacancy in the Business Department at the High School for most of this past school year. I taught Business Computer Applications and Keyboarding. In both courses the students used the computer daily. In the BCA classes the students used Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. In the Keyboarding classes, the students, on occasion, used the internet for keyboarding activities/games that improved their speed and accuracy. The students seemed to respond favorably to these types of activities. (I did notice that when some students would text a friend after school, they were like high speed computer hackers, yet in class these same students would "hen peck".) I also used the Smart board daily to post the assignment and/or examples/demonstrations.
ReplyDeleteUpon completion of the assigned readings, I realize how far behind I have fallen in a few short years. I was a substitute teacher and then began working another job. I have decided to start substituting again in the fall and realize how technology has surpassed me while I have been away.
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, I think it is imperative that educators become "experts" in the field of New Literacy. Effective strategies must be implemented by the teacher; however, this will not work if the educator is not comfortable with this medium. With the ever changing world of technology, educators must stay ahead of the curve in order to better serve their students. I know that I must get myself up to speed on this topic.
Effectively teaching the students to "take charge" of their own learning should be easy to do once the basic strategies for doing this are taught to the students. I realize how important it is for me to stay on top of the latest strategies for learning 21 Century skills and incorporating them into my daily lessons.
Collapse Replies
My favorite use of technology in my classroom is when I do income taxes with my Seniors. We first practice with 1040, 1040ez and 1040a forms. Then they open up accounts on turbotax.com and practice doing their taxes on their own. Most students are amazed with how easy turbotax is to use and don't understand why their parents pay someone to do their taxes.
ReplyDeleteThe TIS training from 2006 enabled me to loan and use an Intelliboard, a laptop, and an LCD projector. I have collaborated with many subject area teachers using these tools, but my favorite collaborations Intelliboard-wise have been with teachers of students with IEP's. It has been fascinating and uplifting to watch students who normally manifest little self-esteem realize that they can be classroom leaders by demonstrating their ability to use the Intelliboard successfully. Then, because they are gaining confidence during the lesson, they listen more intently to instruction and are more inclined to accept and welcome directions.
ReplyDeleteI teach a computer basics class to adults from the community and I use the smart board to demonstrate skills before the students try them. Like, what will happen if you click the minimize button, etc. The students enjoy seeing it on the smart board before they turn to their own computers to try it out.
ReplyDeleteI also use email as a cornerstone of the class. We set up free accounts at Yahoo, then we use emails to link them to fun sites as well as ones about phishing and identity theft/internet safety, etc. It's a very successful class and one that's enjoyable to teach, and when the students leave, they have the ability to keep on learning.
As a TIS (technology integration specialist) for Kanawha County School, I have used a variety of technical tools with my students. One of my favorite tools to use is an AirLiner. It is like a moble SMART Board. I can use it with any computer and it will work just like you have a SMART Board however, you do not need to be connected to the board. It can be passes around the room with easy form student to student. The students enjoy working with the board on any type of activity. They can be involved with teh activity and truely have a hands on approach to learning. Even the students who are below level are able to use this tool. They can be part of the lesson and have a cance to take part even it they do not know the answer. Because the AirLiner is passed around the room students stay more focused then normal.
ReplyDeleteWell lets see in my health class I use powerpoint to guide us along through the chapter on a regular basis. I have used websites I have found to supplement certain parts of chapters and projected these sites onto a dry erase board for all to see. I have used our mobile lab to conduct online search projects. I use the OLD SCHOOL DVD player to show videos such as child birth. Hmm I use the computer to create a review jeopardy for every chapter. I just got an elmo at the end of the year that I may or my not have now due to the flood...I hadn't even got to try it out. :( I think that's about it...but resources are getting better...but are still limited...so I work with what I have.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was actually in the classroom, I used elmos, digital projectors, smartboards, several different software applications, as well as the internet. The students seemed more engaged as they viewed this type of instruction more as a game than actual learning.
ReplyDeleteYou name it and I have probably used it. We have use ipods, cell phones, computers, my homemade Wii smart board, blabberize, wordle, blogs, wikis, digital storytelling. We have worked with audio, video, still images and created self portrait music videos. We've interviewed local business persons and created publisher newsletters and advertisements for their businesses.
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