The document summarizes four online resources the author discovered about using new technologies in education: 1) Using clicker devices to administer state assessments, which provides data backup and automatic question redirection. 2) Using the game Minecraft to teach engineering skills in an engaging way. 3) Incorporating digital files instead of physical textbooks, which allows updating content easily and including engaging multimedia. 4) The author is inspired to make use of clickers and load online content despite limitations at their school.

1. Finding
Treasure
By Rebecca Giggy

2. Digging Deep
I dug deeply into the online resources
provided and discovered three treasures.

3. The Future of Testing
I like the idea of using Clickers to administer state assessments. While not just any
Clicker can be used in this way, there are companies working on perfecting this
technology (including using them to formulate essay questions). The Triton Data
Collection System is the front runner in this field (Devaney). There are many benefits to
this type of testing:
1. The data is backed up 3 different ways (on the clicker, in the receiver, and on a web
site if connected to the internet).
2. You do not have to be connected to the internet while testing relieving the stress
when the internet is not cooperating.
3. The system automatically redirects students to questions that were skipped.
This kind of testing is engaging to
students. I am inspired to start making
use of the Clickers available in my school.
I like the security of this type of testing.
You would have to watch closely to cheat
off of another student.

4. Engineering 101
I loved the idea of using Minecraft to teach engineering. I have never
played the game myself, but I am aware of it. There are several students at
my school that are obsessed with this game. It is an engaging way for
students to practice engineering skills. The trick is to make sure that the
students understand the academics behind what they are doing. Students
learn more through practical application of skills. Working out a problem
on paper is not nearly as engaging or instructional. Unfortunately, this is
not a skill taught at my grade level so I cannot incorporate it into my
lessons.
(Sansing)

5. A Farewell to Textbooks
With the growing usage of digital files, textbooks are going the way of the dodo.
Some school districts have moved away from physical text books are only utilizing
digital media. There are many benefits to this system:
1. You can create a digital library with files from a variety of sources. This allows
you to present different views on the same topic.
2. Digital files are much easier (and cheaper) to update and distribute.
3. Texts are more engaging and can include video files, interactive diagrams, and
links. (Davis)
The draw back to this system is that you
have to have a device for each student
(Something that my school does not
currently have). However, I am inspired to
begin loading links to texts on our fifth
grade blog. I can utilize these resources
during small group time. I have already
started using an online program (Khan
Academy) for math interventions.

6. Works Cited
Davis, Michelle R. ""Big Three" Publishers Rethink K-12 Strategies." 6 February 2013.
Education Week. 7 November 2013 <http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles
/2013/02/06/02textbooks.h06.html?intc=mvs>.
Devaney, Laura. "Can Clickers Solve High-Stakes Headaches?" October 2013. eSchool
News. 7 November 2013 <http://www.eschoolnews.com/current-issue/>.
Sansing, Chad. "Minecraft." 2013. graphite. 7 November 2013
<http://www.graphite.org/game/minecraft>.