Technology in the Classroom

I read an article entitled “Integrating Technology Into a Reading Program.” This article was very informative. The author stressed the need for the students to engage and interact with the technology. The author went on to explain how he used technology in his classroom, even going so far as to provide the names of the software programs he used. He mentioned three different programs, each focused on literacy and reading. The programs provided students with a list of books to read and then games that quizzed them on the material they’d read as a way to reinforce the information. These programs helped with comprehension and retention.

The author made a good point when he mentioned that integrating technology did not mean that the teacher simply used the computer to keep track of grades. Integrating technology required the students to use the technology for themselves. This particular teacher allowed his students to use AlphaSmart Tools, four desktop computers, color printers, and a digital camera. Allowing students to not only witness the use of technology, but actually experience it is a key component to integrating technology into the classroom. It turns learning into a kinesthetic experience, which will be a great help to kids whose main learning style is kinesthetic.

I Can See...

TeacherVision is a great resource for teachers. It has so many worksheets, lesson plans, tips on running classrooms, and more. Not only can you print these out, but it's encouraged that you do so. I spent most of my time exploring the 11th and 12th grade English areas of the site. While there, I found enough quizzes, handouts, and lesson plans to keep someone going all year. This is such a great resource, especially if you are struggling to find a new and different way of presenting something such as the epic poem the Odyssey.
Another neat feature of TeacherVision is the Graphic Organizer tab. Graphic organizers are a really effective way for students to record their thoughts in a way that is easy for them to go back and review. Providing these for students can help them develop and hone their note-taking skills, which will be useful as they move further through their education.

The tab titled “Classroom Management” was also very helpful. There are tips on how to memorize students’ names quickly, conflict resolution methods, how to create a syllabus, and many other topics. New teachers who have never set foot in a classroom before, as well as veteran teachers who are looking for new ways to enhance their classroom, can find this resource very useful and helpful. I am sure that I will be using TeacherVision as a resource in the near future.