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. A teacher's job is just as much about knowing the students and understanding how to improve an individual's learning abilities as it is about teaching students about algebra, photosynthesis, or how to use a semicolon correctly. Studies have found that a technology rich classroom is the perfect place for that level of specialized learning. When teachers and students are trained to use the technology, there are many tools to help track growth, give extra resources, and accelerate learning based on each student's unique pace.

s may have the benefits in education struggling classes need to get back on track. Personalizing Education

easy for students to fall into a passive rol

Recently, major K-12 textbook manufacturers have started releasing their products electronically as well.

. Each iPad app costs schools $59.99, a savings of $13 off the company's hardcover textbook.

In a pilot program in four California districts, students who used the Algebra 1 app outperformed students who used traditional textbooks

The use of technology in the classroom setting has become increasingly accepted by educators at all levels. It has been proven through various studies that students perform at a higher level academically if they are actively engaged and stimulated in the classroom.

Teacher's iPad Experiment Shows Possibilities for Classroom Technology

The sample size may have been small, but the finding was promising because of how Harmon went about integrating the iPads. "Students wrote their journal entries on the class Moodle, accessed on the iPads" Harmon wrote in his report. They also used the devices to collaborate "on the retelling of works of drama with apps," and to take tests. Students were also more eager to write on the devices and composed longer essays than when writing in a notebook.

The teachers also reported that the devices made their lessons more engaging and helped them connect with students.

A dramatic shift is sweeping through our schools. The signs are all around us. Third graders texting on their cell phones. Kindergarteners who can navigate an iPod Touch better than we can. Middle schoolers who already have an Internet following on their blog or YouTube channel. These are not the same 21st century learners we came to know over the first decade of the new millennium. For these students, simply watching videos or images during class, playing an Internet multiplication game, or even taking turns at an interactive whiteboard is no longer enough. These new 21st century learners are highly relational and demand quick access to new knowledge. More than that, they are capable of engaging in learning at a whole new level. With the world literally at their fingertips, today’s students need teachers and administrators to re-envision the role of technology in the classroom.

When planning a lesson – even when you’re planning on incorporating technology – what is the first question you should ask yourself? What does Sheryl argue is the power of technology? How will that aid in students' retention of material and their engagement? What is the impact of technology on this lesson?

Wisconsin Educator Standards - Teachers Ten Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure To receive a license to teach in Wisconsin, an applicant shall complete an approved program and demonstrate proficient performance under all of the following standards: Teachers know the subjects they are teaching. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines she or he teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for pupils. Teachers know how children grow. The teacher understands how children with broad ranges of ability learn and provides instruction that supports their intellectual, social, and personal development. Teachers understand that children learn differently. The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities. Teachers know how to teach. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including the use of technology, to encourage children's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. Teachers know how to manage a classroom. The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. Teachers communicate well. The teacher uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom. Teachers are able to plan different kinds of lessons. The teacher organizes and plans systematic instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, pupils, the community, and curriculum goals. Teachers know how to test for student progress. The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the pupil. Teachers are able to evaluate themselves. The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on pupils, parents, professionals in the learning community and others and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally. Teachers are connected with other teachers and the community. The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support pupil learning and well-being and acts with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner.

SmartNotes page is a two-column chart that organizes student thinking to show the relationship between direct text evidence and different reading strategies.

students practice it by pausing while they read to identify textual evidence from their independent reading book that connects to their thinking related to the specific strategy.

SmartNotes are great because they are a quick and unobtrusive way for students to organize their thinking without disrupting their engagement in their independent books.

1) Video Streaming

2) Play Games

3) Social Media

1. Encourage students to share work socially.

Edmodo helps you create a social, digital classroom. On Edmodo, you can vote, post assignments, create a class assignments calendar, and upload photos and messages to students. With more 17 million users, Edmodo has been a highly successful endeavor. It allows students to get real-time feedback by taking quizzes online. Teachers can also engage socially with one another by sharing lesson plans online and asking questions to their online communities. Edmodo's Global Read Aloud program encourages students to practice their reading and public speaking skills with other students from around the world

Seventh graders with a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities benefited from the use of laptop computers, provided to students as part of Maine’s Laptop Technology Initiative. “Overall, special education teachers viewed the laptops as highly beneficial to their students with few exceptions,” according to a teacher survey. “The laptops were credited with improving the engagement of students with disabilities with their school work; increasing their motivation and ability to work independently; and improving their class participation, interaction with other students, interaction with teachers, and class preparation. Special education teachers and parents indicated that the laptops also increased students’ personal organization. Another important finding of this study was that special education teachers perceived their special education students to have increased the quality and quantity of their writing.