1. Christy Thornsberry EDLD 5362 Week 2

2. Educational Networks Educational networks are used by teachers, educators and administrators to provide information to a wide audience. Teachers are able to find lessons and activities not readily available in their local community. Administrator’s are able to peruse networking sites to stay abreast of current technology and concepts in education. School districts can work together to provide access to networking sites that provide accurate innovation and research.  Researchers in educational technology have suggested that technology could be the catalyst for transforming teachers’ instructional practices in the direction of a more constructivist approach. (Matzen, & Edmunds, 2007)  Networks also are playing an essential role in improving and expanding access to education (Mathews, 2004)  There’s a dynamic shift occurring in this country as we move from traditional definitions of learning and course design to models of engaged learning that involve more student interaction, more connections among schools, more collaboration among teachers and students, more involvement of teachers as facilitators, and more emphasis on technology as a tool for learning. (Jones, Valdez, Nowakowski, & Rasmussen, 1995)

3. PROMETHEAN PLANET HTTP://WWW.PROMETHEANPLANET.COM/ LESSON GATEWAY HTTP://WWW.LESSONGATEWAY.COM /  Interactive  Engaging  Provides resources  Themes  Lesson Plans  Collaborative Community  Lesson Plans  Activities  Games  Variety of Subjects  Resources  Technology  Educational Video

4.  Specifically, the use of technology has enabled students to visualize mathematics, engage in active learning strategies, verify conjectures, have positive attitudes, and build confidence in their ability to do mathematics. (Kersaint, 2007) http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~jgilmartin/FOV1-00042185/

5. Allows teachers to provide input on resources and lessons. Users are able to locate sites and activities that they can utilize with accuracy. Users are able to contribute favorite websites, lessons or activities. No sign up is required, but feedback is considered “invaluable”. Websites Podcasts Videos Blogs Print Resources

6.  Jones, B. F., Valdez, G., Nowakowski, J., & Rasmussen, C. (1995). Plugging in: choosing and using educational technology. Council for Educational Development and Research. Retrieved on January 21, 2010, from http://rsdweb.k12.ar.us/departments/tech/Technology%20Committee/Tech%20Books/plug_in.pdf http://rsdweb.k12.ar.us/departments/tech/Technology%20Committee/Tech%20Books/plug_in.pdf  Kersaint, G. (2007). Toward technology integration in mathematics education: A technology-integration course planning assignment. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 7 (4). Retrieved from http://www.citejournal.org/vol7/iss4/mathematics/article1.cfm http://www.citejournal.org/vol7/iss4/mathematics/article1.cfm  Mathews, J.B. (2004, April). Why statewide educational networks are important to state and educational leaders. Southern Regional Educational Board. Retrieved on November 17, 2009, from http://www.sreb.org/programs/EdTech/pubs/PDF/04T02-Statewide_Ed_Tech_Net_Important.pdf http://www.sreb.org/programs/EdTech/pubs/PDF/04T02-Statewide_Ed_Tech_Net_Important.pdf  Matzen, N. J., & Edmunds, J. A. (2007). Technology as a catalyst for change: the role of professional development. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 39(4), 417-430.