Technology and Mental Exercise

We do specific exercises such as abdominals or pushups to address body strength needs. Over time, all those crunches really do make a difference. We do mental exercises to practice reading, writing, or math. However just as jumping jacks get tiresome, basic skills practice becomes boring too. Why do I need to know math, science, reading?

Young people get bored fast when there’s no meaning or application. Design an environment where technology is one of many elements that meet the needs of young people.

Explore online resources to engage learners in activities that problem concept and skills development.

• Drama and Film Studies
• Interdisciplinary Approaches
• Journalism and Media Literacy
• Language
• Literature
• Mythology
• Poetry
• Speech and Debate
• Writing

Need more ideas? Go to Internet Resources for English & Language Arts from Teacher Tap.

 

Practice and Skills Development

Rather than "doing the computer" or "computer time," the technology should be transparent. While some students may need extra practice, others might be ready for a challenge. As you plan lessons, use technology resources to accommodate the learning needs of students.

Explore examples of motivating "interactives" for English:

• Active Shakespeare
• Babatha's Scroll
• BritSpeak from PBS (Matching Word Game)
• Dancer's Journal
• ESL & EFL Games
• Interesting Things (ESL & EFL)
• Knowing Poe from Thinkport (Exploration)
• Do You Speak American from PBS
• Lord of the Flies Game from Nobel Prize
• Mapping Attitudes: Correct English (Interactive Map)
• Take a Regional DARE! (Q&A)
• Test Your Vowel Power (Q&A)
• Nathaniel Hawthorne from PEM
• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• Shakespeare: Subject to Change - Interactive (lesson resources)
• Winged Sandals - Greek Mythology

General Interactive Links

• Scholastic Online Activities - Grades 6-8 or 9-12
• ReadWriteThink Interactives
• All Subjects and Grade Levels
  • Library of Congress: Interactives
    
  • Flash Interactives
    
  • CBS News Interactives
    
  • PBS Interactives

Try It!
Look for practice resources that could be used to support the learning needs of specific students.
- How will you ensure that the practice meets the learning needs?
- How will you make these resources available "just-in-time" so students are challenged, yet not overwhelmed?

 

Middle School - Careers in Our Community

• Book - ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room by Donna M. Jackson
• Software - Zoo Vet, Pets Pals: Animal Doctor, Vet Emergency, Vet Emergency 2 ($19 each)
• Websites - Working with Animals, Veterinary Surgeon
• Interactives - EconEdLink : To Be or Not To Be: Vet?,
• San Diego Zoo Blog - Interact with Zoo Keepers
• Vets in the News - Penguins, Snake, Wild Cats
• Science Lesson - Pets: Oh Behave

Er Vets by Donna M. Jackson, Zoo Vet software, Veterinary Surgeon online interactive

High School - Career Exploration

• Book: Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Database: Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Online or Face-to-face Interviews
• Interactives - Drive of Your Life, Ranking Occupations, Job Planner , Who Gets Paid What Amount?
• WebQuest - Careers WebQuest from EconEdLink with interactives
• Websites - Career Voyages, What Do You Like?
• Lessons - Flying, What Do You Want To Be?, Human Capital for Money