Aspiring to Seamlessly Integrate Technology
As an educator, I am working to reach the point where the integration of technology is completely seamless. As Edutopia staff write, "When technology integration is at its best, a child or a teacher doesn't stop to think that he or she is using a technology tool -- it is second nature." Through the use of technology, a tremendous variety of learning opportunities have opened up for both me, and my students. Using skype our class contacted two experts, when undertaking a unit of study on matter and energy. This contact enriched our unit of study and provided a wonderful learning opportunity for students.
Google Apps for Education
Options for collaborative student projects have opened up considerably, through the use of Google Apps for Education. Students can tackle their weekly vocabulary assignment as a team, by creating a collaborative google presentation. Their digital product then becomes a wonderful resource for both teachers and students to use. This type of assignment is simple and relatively quick. Students quickly see that the collaborative effort produces a study guide that is helpful for all.