Using Technology to Facilitate K-12 Instruction discusses several technology tools that can be used to enhance classroom instruction beyond basic PowerPoint. It introduces BrainPOP, PLATO, and smartboards as examples of platforms that allow for interactive lessons, credit recovery, special education modifications, and teacher-student collaboration on math problems. While technology is ever-changing, the document recommends that teachers find technologies that work best for their instructional needs and not get overwhelmed, as the goal is to use technology to enhance learning rather than for its own sake.

1. Using Technology to
Facilitate K-12 Instruction
By: Joey Casto

2. I use PowerPoint, isn’t that enough?
• No it isn’t. We must go beyond the basic. Our Students already know
to expect PowerPoint

3. But what is out there?
• Technology is limitless, here are some examples
1. BrainPOP
2. PLATO
3. Smartboards

4. What is BrainPOP
• Subscibing to www.BrainPOP.com will allow you to implement
intereactive lessons and quizzes in almost any content area.

5. Isn’t Plato that smart guy from Greece?
• Yes he was, but I mean
PLATO, as in PLATO
learning.
• PLATO can be used for
original credit, credit
recovery, and even
modified for Special
Education.

6. How can a board be smart?
• A smart board is an
interactive whiteboard.
• Teachers can interact
with maps.

7. More smartboard stuff
• What if I am bad at math
• Then let’s work it out
together

8. Can I still use PowerPoint.
• Yes, PowerPoint is
still a good tool for
the classroom
• Our students are
comfortable with it
and it is user friendly.

9. Times are changing
• Don’t be left behind when it comes to technology.
• Our students are constantly digitally stimulated and we need to tap
into their minds somehow.
• By integrating technology into our instruction we can continue to
educate our ever changing student body.

10. Final Words of Advice
• Don’t get to bogged down in the technology.
• Find what works for you and build from there.
• Technology for technology sake is bad but technology for instruction
is good.
GOOD LUCK