Technology in the Classroom
Technology has become an essential component to learning and many educators, parents and students feel that it is a symbol for future success. As a future teacher in progress I have complied some resources to allow students to be creative in their future expression of obtained knowledge. I believe it is important for teachers to provide choice in how their students express what they have learned, which also gives students a sense of ownership in their project. I will aim to engage students with these technologies to present and deliver content, communicate effectively with others, as well as discover and manage reliable research.
“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” - Bill Gates
Resources
Powerpoint
Powerpoint is a simple way to present information in an engaing and organized matter, Powerpoint offers word processing, outlining, drawing, graphing and other presentation management tools. This is a great way for students to gain confidence if giving formal presentations.
Prezi
Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software and storytelling tool for presenting ideas on a virtual canvas. It is similar to a PowerPoint but diverse in format. This provides students with the opportunity to present their information in an engaging and interactive manner.
Powerpoint is a simple way to present information in an engaing and organized matter, Powerpoint offers word processing, outlining, drawing, graphing and other presentation management tools. This is a great way for students to gain confidence if giving formal presentations.
Prezi
Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software and storytelling tool for presenting ideas on a virtual canvas. It is similar to a PowerPoint but diverse in format. This provides students with the opportunity to present their information in an engaging and interactive manner.
Smartboard
The Smartboard is a very interactive classroom tool that can be used to teach a variety of lessons and deliver advanced organizers. This tool allows for instructions or information to be displayed on for students to use as a guide or to be able to refer to throughout their work. The Smartboard also increases student engagement and is very interactive for students to learn with.
iMovie
iMovie is a great way for students to get creative and create their own video to demonstrate an in-depth look at the knowledge they have acquired on a certain topic. This is a very hands-on approach and can give students a strong sense of accomplishment that they can share with others.
Weebly
Weebly is a site that allows you to create a website for free. This is a great tool to take students research projects to the next level as well as provides the opportunity to teach them about website safety.
Wix
Wix is a free and simple tool that students can use to create professional and functional web pages. This can allow students to embrace the freedom to express themselves and the responsibility to manage their website (also using this opportunity to teach about internet safety).
Blogs
Blogs are great resources for teachers to provide information to and communicate with students and parents.
Google Community
Google Community can be an effective method to gather each class and their parents together online to create open communication about assignments, information, newsletters, reminders or other shared interests. This site can be private and can facilitate open discussions regarding class content and provides the opportunity for the class and their parents to stay connected while on the go.
Remind 101
Remind 101 is a free and safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents. Teachers are able to send an instant message to remind students about upcoming tests, due dates or other important reminders. Furthermore, all phone numbers are kept private, scheduled texts can be sent at a later date/time and messages are one-way so students and parents cannot reply.
The Smartboard is a very interactive classroom tool that can be used to teach a variety of lessons and deliver advanced organizers. This tool allows for instructions or information to be displayed on for students to use as a guide or to be able to refer to throughout their work. The Smartboard also increases student engagement and is very interactive for students to learn with.
iMovie
iMovie is a great way for students to get creative and create their own video to demonstrate an in-depth look at the knowledge they have acquired on a certain topic. This is a very hands-on approach and can give students a strong sense of accomplishment that they can share with others.
Weebly
Weebly is a site that allows you to create a website for free. This is a great tool to take students research projects to the next level as well as provides the opportunity to teach them about website safety.
Wix
Wix is a free and simple tool that students can use to create professional and functional web pages. This can allow students to embrace the freedom to express themselves and the responsibility to manage their website (also using this opportunity to teach about internet safety).
Blogs
Blogs are great resources for teachers to provide information to and communicate with students and parents.
Google Community
Google Community can be an effective method to gather each class and their parents together online to create open communication about assignments, information, newsletters, reminders or other shared interests. This site can be private and can facilitate open discussions regarding class content and provides the opportunity for the class and their parents to stay connected while on the go.
Remind 101
Remind 101 is a free and safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents. Teachers are able to send an instant message to remind students about upcoming tests, due dates or other important reminders. Furthermore, all phone numbers are kept private, scheduled texts can be sent at a later date/time and messages are one-way so students and parents cannot reply.