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I had the pleasure of utilizing this in my classroom for a few years. I was able to walk around the room and make sure my students were on task without having to skip a beat of teaching. It allows you to use drawing, writing, and typing tools. It wirelessly connects to to the laptop through bluetooth technology and then the laptop is connected to elmo, and projector. You can capture an image of what you are projecting through your elmo and highlight, write notes, or draw on it, and you can save it for later use or print out notes for your students. You can also log on to the internet and it becomes your pointer, you can manuver through the web, freeze a page and write notes on it and save it. If you ever get a chance to work with one you will love it, I did! I miss it dearly because, unfortuately, the laptops at my campus are out of date and I haven't been able to successfully connect it to my current laptop which works when it feels like it. Now there's a new version out called Mobi Interwrite pad and I read that there is an app for the Ipad (not sure how the Ipad is connected to projector). But it is a technology worth looking into!

I know Mcallen I.S.D have issued students I-pads to use in the classroom. Here at E.C.I.S.D they have been assigned to teachers and us teachers have been using i-pads in our daily lessons. On my I-pad i have a remote desktop option for students viewing my work on the I-pad on the projection screen. Very neat tool and I feel that I-pads are very useful in teaching than a textbook.

Great classroom technology equipment. I recently purchased an iPad app Whiteboard which gives you similar tools as a whiteboard but on your iPad and you project the information wireless to your computer and projector. Its very useful when you need to walk around and check on students and still project information to the rest of the class.

Article about the flipped classroom

I really admire those math teachers especially being able to work with each other being that they were both from far ends of the spectrum when it came to the education profession. I have been hearing a lot about the "flipped classroom" and I have also been able to connect my previous course work with it. I find that being able to have all your information narrated and easily accessible for your students is a great way to reduce stress. This means that the students will be able to review the lesson at their own pace and in a comfortable environment. Even though I hear many good things, as a 5th & 6th grade Language Arts and Reading teacher I still hesitant to flip my classroom. I know it's not impossible but it will require much training and guidance for it to work effectively.. This article has really opened my eyes to where our future educational system might be or should be gearing towards.

As teachers we should be open-minded and ready to accept new ideas that can revolutionize the way we teach. Always keeping in mind that everything we do is to improve our teaching.

word searches with phonics

This is an excellent link to use in the classroom. One of the things that I like is that it provides different resources. I am going to introduce this to my students so they can have fun learning new vocabulary. Also, I would like to implement some of the prompts that are given, great for ELL's, ESL and Bilingual students.

Great website, downloadable free worksheets, will always get thumbs up from me. This is great for ESL and Bilingual students to help them phonically.

An article on a typical day in a technology connected classroom.

Rene, the article is very informative about how an effective classroom should look like while integrating technology. I like how many of these students were in awe when the professor showcased the class wikispace. I like how the professor was exposing his students to different types of Web 2.0 tools to have students collaborate and discuss concepts and information. Article: Technology Integration for Elementary Schools- http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-technology-integration

This is a great and interesting article. I think with all these tools available now we can have many classrooms like these and imagine what will come in the near future. Integration of technology should be done in every single classroom to promote student involment.

This website gives an insight of what Colorado districts are presently doing: 4-day school weeks. Are we headed that way?

I think that districts here in the valley are far from moving to this 4-day school weeks. It would have to be most or all of the school districts from around here in order to work more effectively. There will be a lot of unhappy parents due to child care expenses. On the other hand, us teachers will probably enjoy it. As it is most of us already stay late hours at school everyday to finish up. The districts will have to show how much they are saving by doing this and at the same time maintain or improve scores.

I read the article and I believe the 4-day week has its benefits but as well it has its downside. I believe at the end the positive benefits will outweigh the downsides. If any district is going to implement the 4-day week, the district has to have the parents and community behind them if they want the system to work. I can see how having a 4-day week will have a positive effect on test scores, because the students and teachers will make every hour count for instructional time, knowing they only have 4 days to teach the concept within the week. I can also see improvement in attendance with students and staff, now parents and teachers can schedule their appointments on the off day during the week. Article: http://crosscut.com/2012/02/16/education/21873/The-fourday-school-week-why-less-really-is-more/ A superintendent in Oregon explains the reasons why a shift to a four-day school week works well for students, teachers, and families. Start with better academic performance.

I am also a big supporter of tablets in the classroom, but I have yet to justify the cost of purchasing an ipad at $500 a piece. With budget cuts as wide spread as they are now, I would think a kindle, nook or even a nexus tablet for around half the price would work just as well. What students need is a dedicated e-reader and access to the internet to look up any information on the spot. Any of the above mentioned tablets could perform these skills without the premium price tag. Since most apps are now available on both the ios operating system and the android operating system, I would imagine the apps developed by speech and language experts are also available across platforms. The second issue in dealing with ipads is the familiarity with the product. Apple is the most successful and profitable tech company in the U.S. right now, but 90% of the computers in the classroom are windows based. Teachers will be more willing to utilize a tool if it integrates easily with the technology already found in the classroom. Ipad is a name. It is the most trusted and used tablet on the market. If, however, students can receive the same benefits of an ipad at half the price, I see no reason to limit the inclusion of tablets in the classroom to an ipad. Check out this article. It has some interesting comments by Bill Gates. http://macdailynews.com/2012/06/27/bill-gates-tablets-in-the-classroom-have-really-horrible-track-record/

It is amazing how much technology is available to help students in the classroom. Integrating technology into the classroom enhances teaching and learning, yet it is now a necessity, even for students with disabilities. My question is, Are facilitators aware of how technology can be used in the classroom? It seems we are still lagging behind on the use of technology in the classrooms. Here is another article that touches points to consider when designing teaching and learning activities when integrating technology into the classroom: http://www.cput.ac.za/blogs/cel/2012/09/13/technology-for-inclusivity/

Jaime, I believe the use of iPads and other related Tablets in the classroom is great way to engaged students in the concept being taught. I like how this article detailed how the iPad can be implemented in the classroom to help students with special needs. Article: 7 Strategies for iPads and iPods in the (Math) Classroom- http://thejournal.com/Articles/2012/07/11/7-Strategies-for-iPads-and-iPods-in-the-Math-Classroom.aspx?Page=1

I think if the students get this opportunity to have a computers, they would have more access to get more resources for their studies. On the other hand, students need to be monitor when using computers to make they are using them effectively and not getting into websites that would get them in trouble.

Technology is a great way of getting our students more engaged in our lessons. It was surprising to read in this article how the students in the ACOT program were college-bound unlike the other students in the same high school. Students are able to use technology to collaborate. I feel students might feel more comfortable sharing their ideas with one another through the use of technology.

I have to agree with Joshua and Romel, that technology does have a positive impact in the classroom. I believe technology increases the student's motivation and self esteem to learn, because they are using tools that they are use to, not just paper and pencil. It makes the students excited about coming to school. I teach 5th grade students, and when I receive the students they lack the basic knowledge how to use Microsoft word and PowerPoint, but once they leave they learn how to use stixy, and glogster for presentation purposes. I believe technology in the classroom creates a positive environment for learning and collaborating with one another.

I liked this website because I am a third grade Math teacher and I am having to find various sites to help the students feel comfortable about multiplications. There are other mathematical operations that I can always refer to in the future and this is a site that I will definitely save. Thanks!

The good thing about math is that the content is global and students who come from different culture backgrounds can understand the concept of mathematics easier than a different reading language. Teaching math is difficult because you're not sure if students are understanding the material or not. One small step can change the entire problem.

Wow Mario! Great website that can be very beneficial to students who are struggling with math. I specifically liked the link titled, "Play Basic Activities". I believe students really enjoy this one because it's fun and they're learning at the same time. Thanks for sharing!

I'm the "host" of the discussion question for this week 14. I wanted to share this site with comments and annotations on the significance of that site to you as an Educator! * Below is the checklist "grades" for those who respond to my post(s). 1. Do you think technology is providing greater access to information but becoming a crutch hindering creative problem solving? 2. Do you think exposing children to technology at an early age will help prepare them for college? 3. Where do you stand on the use of technology in the classroom? In Favor or Against?

So far I really enjoyed reading the article of age for technology growth for students. Very interesting article because technology can work both ways and I truely feel that there are students who abuse the power of technology in classrooms. It's up to us as teachers to monitor them in every way possible. Technology education in classrooms has evolved so much that students are becoming more technological advanced then we are. Interesting article and I do feel that exposion of technology in an early age will prepare them for college.

Yes Albert, technology can work both ways and it has evolved so much that it's amazing what students can do now than what was possible just a few years ago.

More technology in the classroom means needing more broadband access that we can truly rely on. Too many times teachers have tried to use technology and the speed is just not there. We can't use technology without the right resources and access along with speed is a major factor in allowing to use it effectively. How would you rate your district's internet access and speed?

Most certainly! Slow internet access delays some of the website that run in flash. Especially most of the Web 2.0 tools run very slow at school. Hopefully the districts can take this into consideration and can increase the broadband access.

At my school we do have quick Internet service on the student computers that work. I have three student computers in my classroom but only one of them works properly. We also have Computers On Wheels but the school district has made it difficult for the teachers to use them. It is important to have broadband in order to utilize all of the web 2.0 tools we are learning about in our graduate classes.

With a library of over 3,000 videos covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history and hundreds of skills to practice, we're on a mission to help you learn what you want, when you want, at your own pace.

Wow! I've heard of this website, but had not check it out. I loved all the online videos and many ways that students can practice their skills.

I first heard of this website from one of Dr. Butler's seminars last fall. I also saw it on the news show "60 Minutes" a couple of months ago. There are so many videos for a teacher to choose from. I showed a couple of the videos to my fourth grade class on place value. I will try to work some more videos into my lessons.

I wish we had the ability to blog, at our district technology is a bit limited and we have a lot of hesitant people. It's very much like Reflective Journaling except with the twist of technology. Great website.

Thank you for the link, I agree with many of the other comments that the district does not allow student/teacher blogging, but there are other ways around it. This year, my campus is using "Weebly" to create thier classroom website and it has the ability to interact with students via a blog, which is great. I am a true believer that in order for students to get aquainted with current technology tools, we must make it available to them. Thank you for the link!

This is a great way to integrate blogging into the classrooms. Many of the postings are very interesting and provide us with more resources to use in the classrooms. Here are the top 10 blogging websites: http://topsitesblog.com/blog-websites/

Technology with Differentiating instruction in the classroom. Long PDF File but very useful

This is a great link to so much resourceful information. I am sharing this with my team because there are so many things we can utilize when trying to develop our Action Plans for at risk students or just differently learning styles. Excellent information. Thanks for sharing.

Great information. Every teacher needs to know about differentiating because our students are not in the same level of learning. It has alot of technology resources that teachers can find it very useful to implement in their daily instruction. Thanks for sharing and I will share this link with my 21st Century teachers.

Looking ahead in our calendar, this is a topic we will soon be covering. Found this website that covers tutorials in several subjects and helps teachers get set up for Flipped Classrooms. If you have tried it, has it worked positively or not, why or why not? If you have not tried this, what would be your biggest challenge?

Really enjoyed this website resource guide especially using flipped classrooms in classrooms. I've heard that alot of educational workshops are incorporating flipped classroom methods. Dr. Corbeil introduced us to flipped classrooms in my instructional design course and I thought it was amazing how students can learn so much with so little lecture. But yes I totally agree with these teaching techniques and would like to use them in the near future.

Great website. I think our future is flipped classrooms. It has already started in some school districts such as Dallas ISD.This website has alot of information that is very useful for teachers. I have not use or created a flipped classroom yet, but with tutorials and technology equipment should not be so difficult.

As the title says, The best 100 Web 2.0 classroom tools. I know many of us are still a little new to a lot of the tools out there. This link is my tech bible. I constantly look at it when I want to grab my students attention again and challenge/intrigue them with a new tool. I have noticed that there are a handful that do not appear on this list, so.... Your assignment: 1. Add a sticky to at least ONE of the tools you like to integrate most. If the is already sticky, comment on it. 2. Add a sticky on one you would like to familiarize your self with more. 3. (Optional) Add a sticky anywhere on the screen if there is a tool you use that is not on the list. I do know this list if from 2011 so I'm sure you have other favorites you like to use. http://youtu.be/0VSymMbMYHA Check out the video above. It gives me the chills for some reason.

I'm using a couple of web 2.0 tools in the classroom and its going great so far.

Every tool is useful for my students but the one that they are most familiar with is glosteredu. They have use this web 2.0 tool to create a poster for their presentations. i would like to be more familiarize with dropbox.

great website. I will use it to train teachers and parents. Some teacher know the very basic skills of computers but sometimes have problems looking for effective lesson for students. This is a great website for them to be familiarized with. On the other hand, parents can benefit to get train in this website also. Sometimes parents need to look for additional resources but don't know what resources or lessons to use for their children. Thanks for sharing.....

I went ahead and explored the question of the day under "Daily Dose of the Web" link. And I like what they did with the problem. They explained, step-by-step, the solution to the problem. This is an excellent tool for those who need help, want to review or simply want to practice.

Great website! I especially like the question of the day. I have used it several times in my classroom and it keeps my students thinking for a bit. Critical thinking is the key to great minds!

Hey Ruth I was shocked to read about the dropouts rates for Texas. I ask myself, why are so many students dropping out every hour in Texas? We need to make learning fun for these students not to drop out and graduate from high School. Alot of these students get to much pressure of the state test that it turns them off from reaching their goals and graduating.

I agree with the comments that other students are making regarding this alarming situation. We need to make learning fun and engaging, but how can we do this? If every time we try to incorporate technology in the classroom we are reprimanded because they think students are just playing.

Great article...It is very alarming on all the information that was given. I have incorporated technology into my everyday lessons so I could keep my students engaged and wanting to learn more. Teaching should be fun and unfortunately due to state tests some teachers just teach to the test and put the pressure to the students to pass the state tests.

Santos, I think its a very good idea to have Wikipedia as a resource in my classroom. It will help students to research anything they need to know or learn. Wikipedia will give my students additional resource to have in the classtroom and at home for them to find their research.

As a Reading teacher we utilize wikipedia a lot and the great thing is that it allows the students many options or choices to pick from. They are able to have ample examples to better understand the concept being searched.

I think that Wikipedia is a very good tool to integrate in the classroom, if used properly. It should be one of the many tools that should be implemented in the classroom to expand our teaching.