1. Technology Tools for Teaching and Tutoring
Make it fun and they will learn!
Starfall.com
harcourtschool.com
Studyisland.com
Picassohead.com
funbrain.com
storyplace.org
Coolmath.com
brainpop.com

2. Reaching our learners in 1st grade
1st Grade Class
21 students total
Ages 6-8 years old
10 girls and 11 boys
1 full-time teacher
Zero Paraprofessionals
6 inclusion students
6-8 hours volunteer time (weekly)
19.5% read below level
10% no reading at home/no one for model reading

3. Reaching our learners cont
Using district approved sites in class promotes Reading & Math.
Supporting AR Reader Program encourages comprehension.
Using the web helps breach difficult concepts (i.e. Bill Nye Science, BrainPop Grammar, TeacherTube, Discovery Kids, etc).
Enabling students to work independently is priceless.
(A. Spivey, personal communication, March 14, 2011)

4. .
Engaging students through technology
Engaging videos make new topics exciting; retaining interest.
Videos by kids have lessons in different, innovative ways; for all learning styles.
Public & global sites a vast perspective; addressing global issues and diversity.
Prior Growth trends in computers and technology will continue!

5. Engaging students through technology Cont
Enhancing 21st Century Skills
Online books focus on morals, ethics, character and compassion.
Educational sites focus on citizenship, diversity and social responsibility.
Students independent usage reinforces respect, discipline, concentration and self-mastery.
Adapted from http://ali.apple.com/acot2/principles/

6. Popular reasons and Excuses for not integrating
BRAND new teachers may shy away because they must get a handle on things first.
Mrs. Taylor, 1st Grade Teacher
Some established teachers have been teaching successfully for many years without all this technology. Why fix what isnt broken.
Mrs. Aerol, 3rd Grade Teacher
Some teachers do not embrace autonomy, independent learning, and intrinsic motivation. Class Notes, Learning Cognition, Fall 2010.
Im too busy to teach everyone to work alone on the computer.
I only have 4 computers and 20 students, hows that going to work.
Students will not focus on me, they will worry about using the computer all day.

7. Before using
Students not very interested in the math.
Students not applying counting methods thereby not producing accurate work.
General level of frustration raised quickly.
Students became discouraged.
Valuable time spent on controlling the class.
The difference is tangible
After using
Students ask to work on math using computers.
Students beg to take comprehension tests.
Gaining a variety of methods of computation hence better understanding for more of the group.
Students are excited & knowing they will be using the computer to learn.
We can now multi-task during our school day.

8. Observable differences
Peaked interest in difficult topics
Immediate feedback, results, and remediation tools
Intrinsic motivation via working independently
Extrinsic motivation through AR program points
Improved computer skills
Increased comprehension levels
Increased responsibility for learning
Gains in Reading and Math for low level learners
Autonomy and flexibility for advanced learners
Improved transfer of learning

9. Support throughout the district
District-wide access to Internet learning tools. Its consistent through middle school.
Helps families when we provide consistent access throughout the formidable grade levels.
Provides opportunities for all schools, regardless of budget issues, to offer access to interactive content.
Offers consistency for media specialists and technology team members district-wide.

10. Support throughout the district
Students and Parents have access from home.
Students can access most of the same programs they use at school from home.
Parents have curriculum and learning tools at their fingertips 24/7.
Students have fun while learning during and after school.
Teachers and parents have safe sites for their kids to use, approved at district level.

11. references
Rea, D. (2010). Class notes: Learning, cognition, & curriculum. Marietta, Ga: Georgia Southern University.
Apple Inc. 21st century skills outcomes.graph Apple classrooms of tomorrow-today Apr. 2008. 18 Mar. 2011 {http://ali.apple.com/acot2/principles/}.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Percentage change in employment. graph Bureau of labor and statistics Jan. 1998. 18 Mar. 2011 {http://www.bls.gov/opub/working/page8b.htm}.