Monday, May 6, 2013

Tips on Using Technology in the Classroom.


I was in my Art History class when my professor decided she wanted to show us a clip on You Tube.  She slowly navigated to the Internet and searched for her topic.  She unsuccessfully tried to raise the volume and make the video full screen.  This prompted correction by students who presumably all knew how to navigate You Tube very well.  She stated, “ I want to take a class on learning how to embed You Tube clips in my presentation”.   When I came across a list of tips for technology in the classroom I thought of my professor.
            Firstly, you need to embrace new technology resources.  So many teachers gets stuck in their way of teaching that they don’t take time to acknowledge and embrace new types of technology.  Why remain stagnant if there is a way to get students more engaged and create a deeper learning experience.  We should all aspire to work smarter.  Use the resources that are available to you.
            Create a social network of teachers that help each other with technical and content area specific content.  You could create a teacher specific Twitter.    Also, creating a resource that shows how to integrate technology is critical.  There are many teachers out there who man educational blogs.   Create a list of those you enjoy and follow these sites.  They can be supportive when you need to ask for help.
            Use technologies that will help students garner a personal connection.  Students will become engaged in their own learning if they are able to show parents and other students their accomplishments.  This can be achievable with the creation of Wikis, Podcast and Teacher Tube.
            Start small and slowly integrate technology into your classes.  If you go slowly you will be less apt to take on more than you can handle and make mistakes.   This way when you do encounter mistakes you will know how to deal with them.     And lastly, allow your students to help.  They may already have real world knowledge to share with you and can help with peer assisting others in the class.

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