"Best Practices for Using Technology in the Classroom
Technology in the Classroom
When using technology for teaching, there are four basic principles to be kept in mind:
Alignment: Technology should be used for a purpose-not for the sake of being flashy and not as a distraction from other forms of pedagogy. Carefully consider the ways in which video or other media that you share with your class are aligned with your learning objectives. Consider the technology that is most closely in alignment with your teaching skills and the needs of your students-if you don't like to teach with Power Point, consider giving students a handout outlining the main points of your lecture and listing major concepts to assist them in note-taking.
Accessibility: Be sure that the technology that you intend to use is accessible to your students. While computers are virtually ubiquitous, and students living on campus have ready access to computing labs and other technology on campus, do consider whether or not your students have access to technology that you want them to use. Also, consider your own access to technology: make sure that you are familiar with all of the technology that you use and that media technology in your classroom is functioning correctly before the class. Plan ahead. If you are going to show a film, for example, don't wait until you walk into class to find out if the player in your classroom supports your DVD's regional format, or you will find yourself scrambling to come up with a lesson plan that does not include the film. By checking the regional format in advance, you will be able to have a matching-format DVD player delivered to the classroom by Technology Services.
Assessment: As with lectures, discussions, and labs, provide your students with guidance when dealing with media technologies. If you are showing them a film, provide them with the learning objectives that you have for them in watching the film. Consider giving them a short assignment to be fil
The History Engine is a web-based educational tool hosted by University of Richmond. Students use this site to learn history by researching, writing, and publishing specific episodes of American life. The online, searchable database contains works of students from all over the country. Excellent site for teachers, students and anyone interested in history.
This website is accessible for all ages, elementary, middle and high school. It has four main tools and services: The Renzulli Profiler, Differentiation Engine, Grouping and Reporting Tools, and Personal Success Plan. The Renzulli Profiler uses a strengths based assessment to find out a student's top three strengths, interests, and learning and expression styles. The Grouping and Reporting Tool then takes these results and uses them to group students.
This site caught my attention when I saws it listed teacher interview questions and went on from there. May be helpful to new teachers..... Edit-looks like that interview blog didn't post. Not sure why...
SciGirls Video Podcast | 112 Star Power | SciGirls, a PBS KIDS weekly series and website, is out to change how millions of tween girls think about science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM! In each episode, animated characters Izzie and her best friend Jake find themselves in jams only science can fix.