This month, our focus at The Inspired Classroom will be on technology in the classroom. Technology is a vital part of our world. We use it in our homes, in the work place and in our schools. But in order for us to use technology properly, we need to understand it and the opportunities it can create in our classrooms. Kids love to learn through technology, it is a natural mix. And with the need to close the global achievement gap, the use of tech in our teaching seems to be not only a hot topic, but a necessity.
Of course we realize that there are challenges: budget, lack of equipment and/or training, time and space. We will be addressing those issues too. So, join us this month for some great view points, ideas and practical uses for technology in your teaching.
And if you’re wondering why a website that is so very much devoted to Arts Integration is going to focus on technology, consider all the possibilities for arts education and integration through technology. Our computers, our mp3 players, our digital cameras are all tools for artists and recievers of art. There is quite the multitude and variety of media out there that is waiting to be utilized in our classrooms. In order for we teachers to teach our students through technology, we must first learn to harness the power and the possibilities of technology.
We have some great guest bloggers who have a lot of experience and expertise in technology integration into teaching. Please scroll our homepage as we have released the names and bios of four of our guest bloggers for the series.
Enjoy!
Is there something in particular you would like us to address or talk about? Let us know!
Embedding technology into classroom lessons when suitable is definitely a great idea that will motivate children to learn.
My Technology Integration page that includes subject area sites:
http://cybraryman.com/techinteg.html
Don’t forget, we faithfully publish on Tues, Thurs and Sat. In the meantime, you may want to check out a related series we did called “Education in A New Era” Click the tag to the right or this link: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/tag/edu-in-a-new-era/
I am excited about this months’s focus! I am a middle school Spanish teacher pursing a Masters Degree in Technology Integration in the Classroom. I am hoping to learn more about how I can integrate the technology I currently have available to make my instructional practice more effective. I have a SMART Board in my room and have created some interactive lessons, however, I find that whenever I use this tool my lessons are very teacher-centered. How can I use this tool and vary my instructional arrangement so it is more student-centered?
YAY, Mariza, I’m so glad you are excited for this series. Thank you for your comment and for bringing up your interest and needs. I can certainly see your point with the smart board. I’m off to inquire myself and I’m sure with the great guest bloggers we have this series, you will get some ideas! Stay tuned.
In the meantime, this link was tweeted the other day. Maybe it may be of interest to you: Ten Ways to Get Smart With SMARTboard, Amber Price http://t.co/tX3PoCT It’s geared to elementary age, but as Spanish teacher, you may find some of the activities useful.
Looking forward to hearing more from you!
I am interested in all issues related to instructional technology.Thankyou very much for providing this opportunity to share.Send me more literature.Regards
As a former Technology Integration Specialist turned teacher, I’m always excited about what students can learn, create and teach each other from their digital projects. What I’m dismayed about is the lack of time given to such great resources in the classroom. It’s time we went to longer schooldays in this country so that we can get back to being one of the most and best educated countries in the world.
I understand your frustration, Susan and excitement, George and Mariza. Tech is such a hot topic now-a-days. Please read and continue to comment on what we have to offer our readers as the series progresses. Thanks!
Mariza, I wanted to make sure you saw the latest post in the Tech series on Live Binders. In it there were two binders focused on SmartBoards. I hope they are helpful to you!
https://theinspiredclassroom.com/2010/11/livebinders-online-organization/
And this one, which I don’t think made it on the list: http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=7952
Thank you for the links…I will check them out!