One Small Step for Teachers, One Giant Leap for Students

When using technology to teach a lesson, it is often overwhelming to know where to start. Did you know that integrating technology can be using a TV, VCR, DVD Player, Radio, Phonograph, Digital Camera, the Internet, Software Applications, and Projectors. The focus of this blog is on using the computer to integrate.

The study "The Future of Children: Children and Computer Technology" by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, suggests that technology can enhance how children learn by supporting four key components of learning: (1) active engagement; (2) participation in groups; (3) frequent interaction and feedback, and (4) connections to real-world experts.

The George Lucas Educational Foundation, (n.d.). Why do we need technology integration?. Retrieved Feb. 23, 2005, from Instructional Module - Technology Integration Web site: http://www.edutopia.org/modules/TI/Why.php.

That sounds reasonable. So, how does one begin? What should one teach? What are the options?

Well you could:

1. Use a word processor, like Microsoft Word,:
to teach editing skills
to make outlines for taking notes
for journal writing

2. Use presentation software, like Microsoft Powerpoint,:
to deliver a multtimedia talk
for book reports
to make and share jeopardy games

3. Use a spreadsheet, like Microsoft Excel,:
Create and label a graph (bar, line, pie) with a spreadsheet (AppleWorks).
to create Know Wonder and Learn (KWL) Charts
to compare and contrast concepts

4. Use streaming video to present a topic

5. Use the Internet to:
gather information
take a virtual field trip
blog
create activities like crossword puzzles, matching games, concentration games, word searches
converse with experts
design rubrics
share classroom information
search and locate information using electronic resources

6. Use the computer as an assessment tool with assessment software

7. Use Inspiration/kidspiration to:
make graphic organizers
generate diagrams of processes, like How a Bill Becomes a Law, with labels
sequence events from a story or the life of a famous person
use graphic organizer software as part of the writing process

8. To teach computer skills such as:
login and logoff on a school computer network
use menu items and/or tool bars to print, save a file, format text (e.g., underline, choice of font and size of print) and insert graphics
locate files reliably and, save documents, in personal directories and/or shared directories
TO TEACH KEYBOARDING SKILLS


The wonderful thing is that this is all I wanted to share - there is soooo much more!