The document discusses ways for educators to integrate technology into their classrooms to better prepare students for a technology-driven world and economy. It provides reasons for why technology integration is important and addresses common concerns teachers have, like not having enough computers. It also offers many online resources and ideas for lessons that incorporate technology to engage students and help teachers assess technology skills.

1. Enhancing Technology Literacy in the Classroom Educators today and in the next 20+ years are preparing students for a globally competitive economy. Increasing our student’s technology proficiency and problem solving expertise will not only benefit them in the future, but create a globally active and humanitarian society.

2. Why should educators take on the burden of “yet another” curriculum? Technology is changing everyday. Education is moving towards online and distance education opportunities becoming more commonplace than face-to-face. Students are already immersed in technology outside of the school It is the new way of communicating to a broad spectrum of people

3. Who has the time? YOU do! You don’t have time not to use technology. Teachers are already creating resources and posting them online daily for other teachers to STEAL! Many districts have provided their curriculum with technology integrated seamlessly into the lessons for you. You can simply alter your “good lesson plans” to include notes by powerpoint, projector screen, SMART board interactive games and much more! Invite your students to email you their homework or create a blog and students can post their homework to the blog. You can go to one place to grade the work and you don’t have to mess with any papers!!!

4. What if I don’t know that much about technology? The beauty of technology is there are always help buttons in most applications that help you learn. You can learn a new program or application simply by trying out with your students. This is a good way to show them that you are never too old to learn something new. Many districts offer multiple courses to increase educators technology skills and give you credit to learn at the same time!

5. Ok, I have a great lesson that includes technology, but not enough computers. Now what? Most schools have a projector screen or SMART board you can check out. Ask students to pair up and work with a partner. This promotes collaboration and problem solving—two vital skills in today’s work place. Create a rotating schedule where students can participate in the lesson on the computer independently, and you can teach the rest of the class the other material in rotations. Schedule a time to use your school’s computer lab and conduct your lesson in there. Kids will love it!

6. Now I’m ready to try and integrate technology in my classroom. Where can I get some great ideas? www.teachertube.com includes articles, tips, videos and even instructions on how to use the internet and other technology in the classroom www.4teachers.org is one of my favorite websites to get ideas. www.wtvi.com/TEKS/ is a resource for teachers who want to align their technology use to the TEKS.

7. Still want more? www.wmich.edu/teachenglish/.../ technology / classwebsite .htm is a website that teaches you how to build and maintain a classroom website FREE! www.educationworld.com is a great resource for teachers but students as well. They can use this site for research on topics for science, social studies or English essays and projects.

8. Even more sites to use! www.internet4classrooms.com www.discoverystreaming.net is a fun tool for students and teachers to see streaming video about content area as well as research articles about various topics such as weather, animals, water cycle, etc. www.techteachconcepts.com helps teachers create lessons using technology.

9. How do I assess what my students are learning about technology? Good question! Many teachers like to create a rubric or a chart listing the many different types of technologies and uses they have taught. Students can create an academic portfolio demonstrating their use and proficiency in each of the types of technology use. This is a great tool for students as well as parents to see the progress they have made!

10. What are you waiting for now? There is no better time than today to get starting integrating technology into your classroom! Technology use increases student engagement levels and thus increases their content area knowledge when they actively interact with content online. The best part is– using technology is FUN!