The document discusses the Georgia Department of Education approving the use of Scientific Learning's Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant programs in K-8 classrooms. The programs are designed to improve language and reading skills through brain processing exercises. Georgia hopes this technology will accelerate learning and allow students to get the most from their educational programs.

1. Educational Technology By: Rachel E. Richardson

2. “ Georgia Approves Fast ForWord, Reading Assistant for K-8 Instruction“ By: Chris Riedel Summary: The Georgia Department of Education has just approved a new technology to be implemented into their K-8 Language Arts and Reading instruction programs Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord and Reading assistant is designed to help students improve a range of language and reading skills

3. "Georgia Approves Fast ForWord, Reading Assistant for K-8 Instruction“ Cont. Summary (cont.): This product is research-proven to increase brain processing efficiency, as well as reading and language skills Georgia Department of Education hopes to use this technology to accelerate the learning process in order for students to get the most out of their educational programs Riedel, Chris (2008, December, 3). "Georgia Approves Fast ForWord, Reading Assistant for K-8 Instruction". T.H.E. Journal , Retrieved Dec. 7, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23663

4. Personal Reflection Georgia schools are trying something new in an attempt to further assist their students Their goal is to give students the opportunity to learn in a way they might not have been able to in the past They want the students who pass through their school system to get the best education possible

5. “ Smart Debuts Updated Whiteboard Lineup“ By: Dave Nagel Summary: The company Smart Technologies recently released an updated version of their Smart Board 600i product Updates include longer-lasting projectors and improved image quality Nagel, Dave (2008, Dec. 1). "Smart Debuts Updated Whiteboard Lineup". T.H.E. Journal , Retrieved Dec. 7, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23659

6. Personal Reflection The Smart Board 600i is a way for teachers to combine the classic chalkboard with their computers They can “write” directly on the board, but they also can use their computer to help aid in teaching It seems rather pointless except as a way to save time switching from the computer to the classic chalk board, except for the possible long-term financial aid in the money they could save in buying chalk and/or dry erase markers and erasers

7. “ Students Meet Up with Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA with Videoconferencing Tools” By: Dian Schaffhauser Summary: Students from around the world have access to research centers like NASA, Antarctica, and various other places due to Polycam visual communication technologies This gives students a unique opportunity to expand their horizons

8. Students Meet Up with Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA with Videoconferencing Tools Cont. Summary (Cont.): This technology allows students to experience and learn about things that previous generations could never have done Schaffhauser, Dian (2008, Nov. 19). Students Meet Up with Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA with Videoconferencing Tools. T.H.E. Journal , Retrieved Dec. 7, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23609_2

9. Personal Reflection It is one thing to learn about a subject out of a textbook or just from a lecture, it is another to actually be able to see and interact with what you’re learning This technology is an amazing opportunity for students to become immersed in the world around them and to interact with other students, educators, and researchers from around the world

10. Conclusion Some of the technologies available for education just seem like high tech gadgets that are otherwise a bit useless However, there are enough of them that actually serve a worthwhile purpose Technologies can give students unique learning opportunities that are fun and innovative The ultimate purpose to educational technologies should ultimately be aiding students in learning and creating a lifelong desire to continue to do so