Instructional Methods Making Sense of Technology in the Classroom February 15, 2012

How can I incorporate technology into my classroom? I don’t have the time!! Worry not, it’s easier than you would imagine!

ResearchPresentation/InstructionReviewAssessment Incorporating the internet has become key when doing research. There oftentimes aren’t enough up-to-date resources in the school library to complete the research needed for many classroom projects. PowerPoint Presentations SMART Notebook Prezi Jing Document Camera *All of the above applications can help enhance student learning by putting visuals with the current instruction. Presentations could be done by students or the teacher. Activities or online quizzes using a tools from the gallery of SMART Notebook Discovery Education Graphic Organizers Videos/YouTube Odyssey Learning Online tests/quizzes Project-based rubrics Online Blogging

Is this going to take a ton of time to plan and time away from my necessary instruction? Take a deep breath… Technology is supposed to make your life EASIER, not harder.

Best motto to live by: Adapt your current lesson to the technology instead of adapting the lesson to fit the technology. Remember, the curriculum is supposed to be enhanced by the technology, not consumed. Familiarize YOURSELF first: Always ensure that you are 100% comfortable with a technology resource prior to assigning its use to students. Don’t forget to assess! Remember that traditional forms of assessment may not be appropriate for the multimedia assignments you are using or planning to use with your students. Rubrics are oftentimes really helpful, but don’t reinvent the wheel. Look for online resources to make your life easier. (Sweeney, 2012)

I don’t understand all the rules for fair use… Can you help me out? When in doubt, check out the resources…

The honest truth when it comes to multimedia fair use and copyright is that the topic is very complicated are there are numerous rules as well as exceptions. With that said, the best advice to lend to questioning teachers is always double check when in doubt. The United States Copyright Office has released a PDF (link is provided at left) called Circular 21 that answers many of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to “borrowing” media from online resources. ("Reproduction of copyrighted," 2009)

How will this impact my students’ learning? Is it worth my time and effort? Worry not, it’s easier than you would imagine!

Technology empowers students and allows learners to experience things individually and in their own time. Aids in instruction Broadens learning spectrum beyond traditional classroom setting Motivates some students and teachers When Technology Works… When it Doesn’t… Technology is aligned with state/federal standards and abides by proven best practices. Technology is used as a reward only. Management of using the technology takes more time than educational activity Lack of teacher training or motivation Lack of resources/funding Stop and ask yourself: Is the technology I’m using actually encouraging additional thought/practice…or is it just “space filler?”

Any great ideas or sites to share? Worry not, it’s easier than you would imagine!

pps/intl/en/edu/

Sweeney, S. M. (2012, October 4). [Web log message]. Retrieved from Library of Congress, US Copyright Office. (2009). Reproduction of copyrighted works by educators and librarians. Retrieved from Library of Congress website: Fisher, F. (2006, January). The classroom teirs model: Using technology effectively in classrooms. Paper presented at Online powerpoint. Retrieved from