Preparing Our Kids for the Future

by Diane AustinInst. 6031

Our children live in a tech savvy world

Cell phonesVideo gamesATM machinesComputers

We need to integrate technology into the classroom

Teachers and school districts have a responsibility to prepare our students to be productive citizens in society.

Reasons to integrate technology

Increased motivation Differentiated

instruction Authentic problem-

solving Improves social skills

by working in groups Computer literacy

New hardware and software can easily be integrated

Interactive SMART boards are replacing white boards and overheads.

Glogster (digital posters)

Students enjoy creating their own unique presentations and it allows the teacher an opportunity to customize projects and build in “choice.”

Photo StoryStudents take a series of digital pictures and insert them into the free program, along with narration and/or music. For students who aren’t good with keyboarding or who are tired of Powerpoint – this is a great option!

Your students can create a rebus story using the computer

Highlights has a great interactive website for the rebus story!

Why not start today!Help is available: On-line tutorials District workshops Ask your colleagues for tips

References Barron, J. (2010, April/May). A picture is worth at least one word. Retrieved

from EDTECH Focus on K-12: http://www.edtechmag.com/k12/issues/april-may-2009/a-picture-is-worth-at-least-one-word.html

 Flickr:CreativeCommons: Photos retrieved July 5, 2010: Barron, J. (2010, April/May). http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons

A picture is worth at least one word. Retrieved from EDTECH Focus on K-12: http://www.edtechmag.com/k12/issues/april-may-2009/a-picture-is-worth-at-least-one-word.html

  Highlights:

http://www.highlightskids.com/Stories/Rebus/rebus_theNoise0705/0705_theNoise.asp

Rubenstein, G. (2010, April 26). Ten tips for personalized learning via technology. Retrieved from Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-ten-key-lessons

  WHIRL (2010, May 24). Persuasion & creation: students using video in

TRCs! Retrieved from Technology Rich Classrooms: http://www.kansastrc.org/forum/topics/a-day-in-the-life-of-tech-rich