Technology Integration: What I've Learned

Throughout my graduate course Teaching Through Technology I have learned several very important components to incorporating technology in the classroom.  Yes, I always knew it was a very important key in preparing our students for the world ahead but not to the extent that I learned.  There are so many aspects of learning how to effectively include technology into a curriculum that I was amazed as to how easy it is to get sidetracked.  But through several journal articles and our text it became quite apparent that it's not how much you use technology but how well you implement it.    There are many educators that use technology everyday but not to the effective degree necessary to be beneficial.  There are also some that do not use it at all.  The most important thing is that technology should not be approached as an additional subject but rather an enhancer, a tool to improve the delivery of educational information and the educational experience.  

Equal Access to the Digital World!

The digital realm has made it possible for educators to bridge the educational divide among students.  Being able to modify lesson plans to "fit" each learning style and skill level makes the educational experience equal for each student.  With the tools available educators can expand the opportunities in the classroom and not publicize deficiencies.  The students that may be that of a lower skill level can still participate and not have the stigma pressed upon them that they need help.  They can develop a sense of accomplishment in that they are participating in the same format as all the other students.  Being able to assist students that are not on level and those above level with ease makes the educational process a true success.  

The Educational Value of Social Media Sites

Social media sites are a great way for educators to communicate to a large group of individuals with one message – students, parents and administrators.  Teachers have the ability to provide information regarding lesson plans, homework and additional information that may come up throughout the assignment.  If a younger group of students are the focus this would be a great place to provide parents with announcements, weekly strategies/discussions and focus.  This is a wonderful way to offer general information and provide changes that may occur for the classroom.  

The social media site I have developed is designed to provide information to prospective college students.  It has a variety of resources to obtain information about issues and events surrounding education.  The resources I have chosen to incorporate into the site give well-rounded, multi-cultural exposure to the understanding of issues, successes and concerns in education.  This information can be used for the reader to discover educational interests and possible career paths.  A comment section has been supplied for reader comments and questions.  This will allow for communication all over the world uncovering many views pertaining to suggested topics.     

Social Media Value - Ed Hype 

Welcome Learners!

Wanted to take the time to invited you to view the WebQuest titled It's Your Tomorrow that has been designed for you to gather information about making decisions for your future.  This site will also allow you to gather information on SAT, ACT, financial aid and much more.  I encourage you to invite your parents and loved ones to navigate the site with you so that you may enjoy the journey together.

You may be wondering why I have chosen to present this in the form of a WebQuest and I will be happy to explain.  This tool gives me the opportunity to bring to you a one stop shop experience.  You will be able to gain almost all the information you will need to make crucial choices for your future from just this one place instead of having to go find the information in many different places.  If nothing else it will be a great foundation to build from.  Happy learning!


Link to It's Your Tomorrow

Education Value of Animoto

Make your own slideshow at Animoto.

The educational value of Animoto is one that is great!  This awesome tool can be used in so many ways.  A teacher could use this as a way to share any desired concept along with images to support their importance.  This is one way to relate to students on a more up beat scale. This connection with the students will trigger a positive response promoting questions and interest. These responses will then show the students that there are other ways to connect with their classmates and share information on a whole different scale.  The options that are available are endless with the application of certain images, words, music, and themes.

Educational Value of Wordle

The educational value of Wordle is to spark a response to the words on the page.  How they are laid out, sized, colored and positioned can exude different responses and how they relate to one another. If you look at all the words together they may not mean anything at all.  They could just appear as a bunch of words.  But if you look at the words one at a time and then match the like colored words and special relationship and size they invoke different responses that make it seem like the Wordle is “speaking” directly to the viewer.  It is almost like a personal conversation. This Wordle is just that.  It is set up so that all of the words can describe what you will find in the Webquest and its purpose.  I challenged myself with reflecting on the Wordle and it drew me in and made me want to find the answers to my questions and really think of the phrase “It’s Your Tomorrow”.  I was impressed by the effects of such a simple exercise that I have decided to use these as inspirational techniques for my own children and the students I come in contact with as motivators.