l Technological Innovations Thrive With the Internet in our Classrooms By: David Paehlke Information & Communications Technology University of Wisconsin Stout, Seminar in ICT Instructor: Steve Schlough, Ph. D.

Keys and Trends to Establishing Technology in Our Schools Finding ways to support technology needs: –Funding provided by the federal and state governments –Finding grants available to schools and teachers to support technological needs –Strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) competencies in our schools –STEM provides grants to schools to improve these areas of importance –Establish and provide access for our students to the outside world to improve learning, communication, and access to an abundant amount of information

The Internet The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks, computers, cables, and devices connected together to provide communication, sharing information, presenting, and researching. Wireless access and mobility has brought new innovations to the forefront. Everything will be connected, and I mean literally everything. Not just electronic devices, but everything down to your piano. “We’ll have as many as four or five Internet devices on our bodies.” (Moschovitis, Poole, 1999)

The Internet and Our Children Our children are growing up with technical innovations and experiences that are giving them an advanced increase in knowledge. They are growing up in the ‘Net Generation’ era. –They communicate digitally. –They are mobile users. –They have a world of information at their finger tips. –They create and establish a background of technological experiences in their homes and with their friends. –They have a chance to be more advanced in technology than other users.

The Internet and its Trends in our Schools The need for schools to keep up with the Internet and it’s technological advances is evident in how we prepare and give students the needs to learn and prepare for today’s ever changing world. Businesses and corporations need productive and technology advanced workers to keep up with their technically changing needs to improve and advance in the changing world. Technology is not only changing our schools and careers, it is changing our homes, it is part of our lives and is here to stay.

Trends in our Schools (The Speed of the Internet) Sustainable and acceptable Internet speed gives students the ability to obtain information faster, raises their attention, and can assist in keeping them focused. High-speed Internet gives schools the ability to communicate digitally, perform online classes, and transfer large files like video. Teachers have the ability to utilize on-line curriculum and use technology to aid in the teaching of that curriculum.

Trends in Our Schools (Wireless Technology) Wireless technologies are changing the learning environments that students are growing up in. Using wireless technologies brings flexibility, mobility, and faster communication between students, teachers, staff, and parents. Wireless connectivity allows easy access to online assignments, syllabi or class websites. Students can collaborate on homework assignments and submit papers to professors without being in the same building or connected by cabling (Garza & Swanquist, 2003). With the introduction of wireless technology in the classroom brings the opportunity to introduce more technological innovations.

Trends in Our Schools (Portable Devices) Utilizing laptops in the face-to-face classroom allows students to instantly access and integrate information, including library resources, course materials, and research sites (Lowe, Seijo & Rodriguez, 2006) –Mobile labs are becoming popular in schools to provide research capabilities for classrooms. –Schools are giving out laptops to students to provide everyone the opportunity to be equipped with the latest equipment.

Trends in Our Schools (Portable Devices Continued) The $50 ‘teachermate’ was designed to provide schools a device for students for a minimal cost compared to a laptop. The device that contains a 2.5” color screen, 512MB RAM, SD slot, built- in microphone and speaker, and a battery. Many students today are communicating with their friends, playing music and using the Internet through the use of their cell phones. Because of the portability and functions that are offered, cell phones can be used the same as laptops.

Trends in Our Schools (Portable Devices Continued) The technology of electronic white boards or smart boards is another trend that has been catching on by teachers and schools. Interactive whiteboards in combination with computers and LCD projectors provide educators with the tools to seamlessly enhance teaching and learning using technology (DeCraene, 2003).

Communicating Through the Internet Electronic mail or is used daily and everywhere to communicate between teachers, staff, students, and parents. Blogs have grown interest by teachers as a form of a communication tool to their students and parents. Wikis are also becoming popular and can be used as reading, grammar and writing assignments for students to perform.

Impact Analysis The cost of providing technology and these trends in schools is probably the biggest factor. The infrastructure and devices take time to establish and create. Rules and regulations with using technology in the schools need to be taught to and understood by the students. Infrastructure and network security needs to be established and trained to personnel and students.

References: DeCraene, Tom, Cranbrook Schools (February 2, 2003). Cranbook Schools: The Case For Interactive White Boards in the Classroom. schools/MICRA/MICRA_ htm schools/MICRA/MICRA_ htmhttp:// schools/MICRA/MICRA_ htm Garza, Joel, Swanquist, Barry (October 1, 2003). Going Wireless. Lowe, Elizabeth, Seijo, Joe and Rodriguez, Roberto (02/08/2006). Teaching with Laptops in the Classroom. Moschovitis, Christos J.P., Poole, Hillary, Schuyler, Tami and Senft, Thersa M. (1999). The History of the Internet.