10. TECHNOLOGICAL INVESTMENTS
Educational Hardware
Computers with internet access
Tablet Computers
Printers
Interactive Whiteboards
Video Cameras
Digital Still Cameras
Camera Projectors
Web Cams
Headsets with Microphones
I-Pods
Palm Pilots
Heart Rate Monitors
Pedometers
11. • Microsoft Word
• Xcel Spreadsheet
• Power Point
• Microsoft Outlook
• Movie Maker
• Encarta
• Google Earth
• Number Munchers
• Word Munchers
• Venier
• PowerSchool
• Sharepoint
• United Streaming
• Learn 360
• Podcasts
• Wiki
• Moodle
• Zoho
• Kidspiration
• Inspiration
TECHNOLOGICAL INVESTMENTS
Web Resources and Educational Software
Utilizing technology in the classroom is a great way to engage students. Technology that is guided by standards and curriculum delivers the education our students deserve. When students have access to a computer and the internet in the classroom, they can use it to gather information for research projects. It gives them more information at their finger tips in less time versus having to go to the library and hoping the resources are there. The internet offers constant access to current materials and/or events. This keeps our teachers and students in the loop of the latest happenings or current trends. Looking up vocabulary words is no longer a big undertaking when students are able to use the internet to search for them. Many of our text books have their own internet sites to take the students beyond the classroom text book.
Classroom technology develops critical thinking skills. Web sources and software provide our students with the templates to design, fill and create their own graphic organizers, tables, charts and graphs. Through the construction of the student’s own graphic organizers, students are able to build upon information they already know. Graphic organizers helps students manage, connect and file information in their minds. They can then begin to conceptualize how related materials come together. Tables and charts can be easily made and filled in by students. It is great way to manage new information. Graphs provide data at a glance. It is a great way for students to analyze and share information.
Using content-driven video in the classroom via the DVD player or the internet enhances the curriculum. Some of our learners learn best by sight. Watching videos will help these students gain a better understanding of the content being covered. Videos reinforce the written curriculum fro all levels of students. Being able to stream video into the classroom can be somewhat similar to seeing the experience first hand. Whether it be a science experiment, a historic clip or how to treat someone with first aid, video provides a pathway for the clearer understanding of material.
On-line courses have been a great resource in helping students stay on track for graduation. Students who have transferred into our school district are able to take on-line courses to complete the necessary coursework/credits needed to graduate with their peers. The on-line courses are an educational resource for the students who have been out of school for extended period of time due to an illness or pregnancy. On-line courses are also offered to those students who struggle with coursework in the traditional classroom.
Ringstaff, Cathy and Kelley, Loretta, “The Learning Return on Our Educational Technology Investment” (WestEd RTEC, 2002), http://www.wested.org/cs/we/view/rs/619.
The “Cognitive Tutor” was implemented in Pittsburg, PA, in a high school Algebra class. The “Cognitive Tutor” was a computerized tutor that provided related and applicable math problems to the students. The “Cognitive Tutor” also formed a learning profile of each of its users. As compared to their counterparts in the traditional classrooms the “Cognitive Tutor” students…
Project CHILD stands for Children Helping Instruction and Learning Development. The children in these classrooms were exposed to computer stations that were reading, writing, and mathematics based. As compared to their counterparts in the traditional classroom, the K-5 students who were exposed to Project CHILD…
Ringstaff, Cathy and Kelley, Loretta, “The Learning Return on Our Educational Technology Investment” (WestEd RTEC, 2002), http://www.wested.org/cs/we/view/rs/619.
It is extremely important that we continue to support the teachers and the technology department. Our teachers need the right tools to continue to enrich the curriculum. Our world is immersed in technology. We must provide and use those technological resources in order to offer a prolific education. Giving teachers enough time to train, explore and observe the available technology is an important component in educational technology’s success. It cannot be a one shot deal. Teachers need the on-going staff development to keep abreast of latest trends and content-driven possibilities. The big picture is increased student achievement…
Educational hardware is essential to the success of our technology integration. These are some of the items that have made a huge impact on today’s education. (go on to explain why they are important and how each one is used in the educational setting)
These are just a few of the examples of the web sources and educational software pieces that are applicable and useful applications in the educational setting. The software implemented directly reflects the hardware needed in the instructional setting. (go on to explain why they are important and how each one is used in the educational setting)
Content and curriculum is the driving force behind technology integration. Technology is a means not an end in the educational setting. Technology that is guided by standards and curriculum can provide a very inspiring environment for students. It can also create a more effective and efficient educational setting for teachers and students. Technology can take into account the diversity in learners, allow students to work at their own pace and provide them with immediate feedback. It can motivate students to be more responsible for their learning. Technology will prepare students for the technological future outside the public school setting.