“Some teachers feel technology is being pushed on them, especially those who struggle with it. They might start using technology just for the sake of using it. This has shown to be an ineffective method for both tech-savvy and tech-challenged teachers. There is a big difference between using technology to teach and the successful integration of technology into lesson plans.“(http://www.edutopia.org/blog/help-teachers-struggling-with-technology-josh-work)
Here are some suggestions to integrate technology in a meaningful way that connects to curriculum:
- in primary grades, use programs like Kidpix to have students create 2-D representations to demonstrate understanding for Science (Life Systems, Structures and Mechanisms)
- watch videos of dance performances, (YouTube) and have students respond
- have students select nature/architecture photo from images or take a photo with iPad and write poem to accompany photo/image
- using spoken word poetry in the classroom https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC5PJtWBigV2f4TM4Gx7IlPe1ummqg5jt
- in junior or intermediate, use YouTube to allow students to compare the same scene from a novel with several film adaptations
- students use iPads to document steps in Science experiments
- create a class wiki for students to write and entry about specific topic (character from novel, etc.). To create go to www.wikispaces.com
- design a webquest for a language or history project
- 50 ways to use twitter http://www.teachhub.com/50-ways-use-twitter-classroom
- 10 ways to use instagram http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/07/22/10-ways-to-use-instagram-in-the-classroom
Also, don’t feel that you have to be an expert before you “teach” the technology to your students. Think of yourself as a facilitator of a technological opportunity! You can and will learn along with your students.
