Making Technology Work For You

Does This Really Work? By Sara Sawtelle

This article was based on how to examine software, and note if it is a good tool for the classroom. The author had a few philosophies on how this may work. She compared it to the scientific method, and made a plan that was similar to this. First create a hypothesis by meeting with the school director of instruction. Second, planning the experiment by gathering a committee for all the details. Third was preparation by learning as much as possible about the software. Fourth was testing and predictions by using documentation for adjustments. Basically to sum it up you need the right teacher, time and planning to make it all happen. There are a lot of different types of software out there and it can be tough to find a few that work with your curriculum. I think it is a great idea to test the program or software using the scientific method that way you get the best for your needs. The author also points out theses top ten tips for evaluating software for your classroom:
1. Objectives
2. Plan
3. Involve
4. Evaluation of the criteria
5. An effective teacher
6. Environment and equipment
7. Training
8. Knowledge and skills
9. Monitored
10. Evaluation

I could easily adapt this to my teaching skills and classroom. I believe it is a great idea to evaluate and test software before making it official. There are so many technology tools to choose from, and by doing this screening process it will help eliminate the non-effective tools. I can use this technique for all classes and grade levels. It will be different depending on which I choose, but overall will still help significantly. I think as a teacher you have to put effort into your teaching tools to be an effective and fun teacher.

Getting Students Excited to Learn

Tech Camp Unleashes Creativity and Collaboration by Joe Bardin.

First off I just want to say everyone should take a moment to read this article it was great, and can be molded for all grade levels in many different subject areas. This article explains the many different tools teachers and students use at a weeklong tech camp. It takes place in Arizona and if you are interested you can go to the following link http://www.azk12.org . The point of this camp is to help motivated teachers by giving them basic direction and hands on experience. For the students it is also a great opportunity to get them excited about using technology in the classroom. There are many different types of technology used at this camp, but a large part of it is centered on movie making. The article gives many examples, but one that stuck out to me was about a first grade class. The class made a movie on fire safety. The task of the movie was left up to the students, they have to write the script and play as actors in it. This is a great example of using fundamental skills with technology, and a great tool to get all students involved, even the quiet ones.

I love this idea of making a movie and I could easily adapt it to my classroom just as any teacher can and should. This can also be used for any subject area whether it be language arts, science or as the article talked about using it for bilingual students where their task is to do the movie in both English and Spanish. Another great point that this article states is that students put more effort into work that is publically displayed such as movies because it reveals them to others. Taking this into account the teacher can be comforted in knowing that yes this project is fun and a great education tool. You can use movie making in so many ways and I encourage you to check out this article to read about all the exciting ways they use it at this camp.

Favorite Universal Technology

What is Your Favorite Ed Tech Tool? By Paul Wurster

This article explained a survey taken by teachers that evaluates what their favorite technology is that they use in the classroom. Wurster expresses that the teachers had a hard time just picking one tool because today’s teachers use so many of them. There was three categories Wurster put the tech tools into, first is internet tools and resources. This category consisted of over one third of the votes because without this basic tool. These tools consist of email and web browsers. As a student I already use this tech tool constantly I could only imagine how important it is for teachers. Secondly, Wurster explains the category of general productivity tools. These tools include word and spread sheets. Teachers that took this survey agreed that these tools make teaching a true collaborative profession because they are able to share and connect with each other through them. An example would be making newsletter to inform staff and administration what is going on in their classrooms. The third tech tool that was a favorite to teachers was interactive whiteboards and projectors. Wurster express that teachers that use this technology agree that it is revolutionary, and students have better success with them. This is because students are engaged in activity and involved in creating their personal learning. Another great point that they make is that it is a great tool for ELD students because it can be a universal tool, and language. This is accomplished by showing pictures or drawing, so all the students understand.

All of these tech tools will be a great attribute to my classroom, and this article also shows how important technology is becoming in the classroom. I know I use most of these tools already just being a student, and I know many teachers that use them as well. Teaching is always changing because teachers should always be learning, and implementing the new tools in to their classrooms. I think all student need to be up to date on technology in the classroom so they are able to be aware outside of school. New tech tools will always continue to arise, which means learning will become more effective for all.