The "How To's" of Technology Integration

We have established that technology is important and can be fun for the classroom, however integrating is a whole different topic. We, after all, do not want to use technology just for technology’s sake. We should use it to enhance learning and connect students to the thoughts and opportunities of the outside world. We need to have sources for the kinds of technologies that we can and should integrate. Blog writer Richard Byrne has given us some of those options in his publication “Free Technology for Teachers.” Here is the link: http://content.yudu.com/Library/A18dcc/TwelveEssentialsforT/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F59772%2FTwelve-Essentials-for-Technology-Integration Here we are given a breakdown of some of the things to use technology for, as well as good resources to use. This can be beneficial to parents of students in science classrooms as well, because integration of technology at home is a great beginning for integration of technology at school.

Furthermore, there are seminars out there specifically for Atlanta Public Schools in integrating technology. We find one example of this here: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/1861101118113928800/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=290419&C=55465

Feelings of inadequacy or intimidation are simply not an excuse anymore. The world is changing and we can keep up with a little bit of guidance! Besides, our role is not to be better at technology than our students or children, our role is to facilitate the use of technology to improve their learning.

I, however, find that while the usefulness and ability in integrating technology into the classroom are present, the funding for actually receiving more updated technology available to every student in every school is lacking. If every teacher had a Promethean board, for instance, then there would be no reason left to skirt around using it! We as citizens of this city and who care about our students and children, should be fighting for the funding for this technology. It is absolutely essential for today's student, and they will be at a severe disadvantage without it!

Til Later,

Leslie

Technology makes Physics Fun

My science classroom is going to be one where technology is used as much as possible, because science can and should be enhanced by technology! Your children will benefit from this technology use, not only in their technology proficiency, but also in their realization that learning can actually be fun. This video is a great example of a way
that students can benefit from technology use:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHAHpvFmgQk

Students are able to live a sort of virtual reality and experience things through the computer that are impossible to experience in real life. It can really bring science to life in a way that teaching without technology cannot do. The program mentioned is a private program, however this would be a great investment for the government for public school systems.

And here is yet another way to disguise learning as fun (though it really actually is): http://www.physicsgames.net/

As a teacher, adding the term “game” on the end of anything allows the student to have fun without feeling like a "loser" in front of their peers for enjoying learning, because after all if it is a game then they should be having fun. In addition, the game allows the student to understand many basic concepts of physics without even realizing it! The one downside is a commercial in the beginning, but it is still a wonderful resource that has great use in the classroom.

Til next time,

Leslie