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What does it take to make technology worth the time and effort? It's really about the learning experience that technology can help provide. Use the following resources as you reflect on your current uses of technology and consider ways to impact the learning experience through technology. Technology for Young Learners Workshop
K-5 Learning Center Workshop
General Resources
Grade Level Resources Grade Levels K-3 Internet Resources Grade Levels 4-6 Internet Resources Middle School/JrHi Internet Resources
High School Internet Resources
Special Needs and Technology from Teacher Tap
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As you explore technologies and resources, consider what technology adds to the learning experience. Is it worth the time and effort?
Go to BBC Schools, then click on your age level Preschool, 4-11, 11-16, 16+. Great science for ages 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, 10-11. Identify a good example of effective technology use. |
Technology-Rich Learning Experiences What does it take to make technology worth the time and effort? It's really about the learning experience that technology can help provide. Technology can enrich the learning experience at least eight ways. Explore the Es of the learning environment: excite, enhance, engage, experiment, exchange, and explore. Excite. WebQuests provide an inquiry-based learning environment that brings meaning and excitement to classroom activities. Go to webquest.org for examples. Learn more at Teacher Tap: WebQuests. For example, the Back In Time WebQuest focuses on historical fiction. Many teachers use 42explore projects to supplement, locate, or adapt WebQuests.
Enhance. Technology can provide scenarios and interdisciplinary connections to enhance learning. For example, after reading the book Gopher Up Your Sleeve by Tony Johnston students might use the enature website to learn more about the animals in the poems and write an electronic postcard. Use resources that will interest students such as graphic novels as a starting point. Or, use audio resources such as a National Public Radio program. Involve students in visual resources such as reading or interpreting Political Cartoons or creating cartoons. Engage. Real-world data engage students in activities. Interactive projects, simulations, and what-if situations encourage students to ask questions and seek answers. Explore the games and activities at Scholastic or BBC Schools. Try FrogGuts or Create a Graph, the Human Body. Experiment. Technology can provide information and tools to help students identify problems, brainstorm ideas, discuss possibilities, test ideas, and draw conclusions. For collaborative opportunities, check out the CIESE project at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Many opportunities to experiment are available online through projects such as Earth Observatory at NASA. Find real-world data at Teacher Tap. Also check out the Real Time Data Sites such as Earthquakes from USGS, Journey North and Birdhouse. Check for news at HeadlineSpot. Exchange. Help students reach out to the world through global communications. Participating in projects help students exchange ideas, understandings, experiences, perspectives, and interest. For example, consider getting involved with cultural celebrations such as Hispanic-Latino month. Use tools such as epals to make email connections. Use Nicenet for threaded discussions. Explore. Many students travel no farther than the local mall. Technology can provide experiences visiting places around the world. For example, take a trip on the Mayflower or a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Virtual Field Trips, Digital and Virtual Libraries, and Digital and Virtual Museums provide these adventures. Try a math adventure at National Math Trail. Rather than asking students to write book reviews. Ask them to critique, evaluate, compare, then create a book review. Go to Teacher Tap: Book Review Projects for ideas. |
Developed by Annette Lamb, 1/04. Updated, 7/05. |
