Kristin Howlett-Overholt Clarence Middle School

Today we are in an Information Age, and the jobs we are preparing students for do not yet exist (Fisch,2006). Source: (

Computer technology skills as those related to software and multimedia presentations are not only recommended but now required out in the workforce.

Prensky (2001)defines them as those who were born into the digital world.  They are used to receiving information really fast.  They like to multitask.  They prefer graphics before text rather than the opposite.

How do we speak their language as Digital Immigrants? Those who were not born into the digital world are defined as digital immigrants. We may have adopted technology later in our lives but still have our accent.

According to NCES, the gap between digital natives and immigrants becomes even wider when research shows that technology use in the classroom lags far behind access. (National Center for Educational Statistics,2000)

Pre-service teacher programs do not adequately prepare future teachers for incorporating technology in their instruction (Turkmen,2006). Teachers do not feel well prepared because of the time necessary to become proficient in the technology conception. Lack of teacher confidence has resulted in lack of teacher usage

 The lack of computers, software applications and the support necessary to keep it functional plagues the education system across the board.  The technology world is advancing so rapidly, that the technology being implemented today is already outdated (Fisch,2006).

In an unpredictable world and depressed economy, it is more important than ever that students learn how to work together and be problem solvers. PBL, project- based learning, gives students the opportunity to work as a team and accomplish a task. Much like they will need to do in the work place.

This project is designed to provide middle school science students with an opportunity to learn science concepts and use technology-based applications to better formulate their knowledge.

Students were asked to share experiences relative to scientific topics and real-life situations. The use of PBL in the classroom allows students to research, collaborate and perform hands-on activities as a team.

PowerPoint is a relatively old application that has primarily been used as a lecturing tool. What if the tool were used interactively for students to incorporate text digital pictures and video?

Powerpoint is an interactive teaching tool that is conceptually easy to use. It can be mastered in a couple of hours (Burns,2005). Powerpoint is easily adaptable to any content area and can be adjusted to fit various situations The program can be enhanced with clipart, graphics and animated transitions

Students created questions of high quality and understanding. They performed significantly better on the post assessment. Students were engaged and eager when they knew the projects were computer based.

Students Reflections The project allowed me to learn from and work with my peers. I liked creating and writing my own questions for the Jeopardy game. The project has allowed me to use these types of applications in my other classes to better enhance my learning. I have been able to share what I have done at home with my family and teach them what I have learned

How To Grow Good Corn James Bender, in his book, HOW TO TALK WELL relates the story of a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors. "How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked. "Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn." He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves. So it is with our lives. Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

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