INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: IT TAKES MORE THAN JUST HAVING COMPUTERS BY AMANDA HAMILTON

Integrating technology is not an option, but a mandate Should not be taught as a separate subject Should be used as a tool to extend knowledge The challenge is to find ways to incorporate technology that do not take time from core content

Teachers need experience in working with technology. They must find time to learn the tools of the trade Understanding terminology is a necessity Incorporating technology can be simple and easy

WHAT IS TODAYS DATE? Many elementary teachers begin the day by discussing the date EducationWorld Each day you can explore different holidays Well-known and lesser known holidays Students can research information about them

What’s the weather like today? Discussion of the weather is another popular morning topic This could be an opportunity to incorporate technology Visit a website such as The Weather Channel or USA Today Weather Can explore the weather in your area and around the country. Even explore weather in other countries and other languages

ONLINE MATHEMATICS Challenge students to do a daily online math problem Can be used to open/close lesson or for extra credit Math Forums Problem of the Week offers word problems Aunty Math’s Math Challenges for K-5 Learners offers biweekly word problems Students can match math skills with kids around the world Abacus International Math Challenge

SPELLING SKILLS Word of the Day Daily Buzzword at Word Central Vocabulary Builder offers word definitions for grades 4-6 Spelling lists can be found at Spellingcity.com Can be added to assignments or used as extra credit

MAKE HISTORY REAL Personalize history lessons begin each lesson with Today in History or This Day In History Look for primary sources Visit Library of Congress’ American Memory Collections search engine

READING DOESN’T MEAN BOOKS Use technology to help with comprehension practice Fluency through Fables Designed for ESL students Can be used for upper elementary students as well Includes vocabulary matching and completing exercises, multiple choice comprehension questions and written discussion exercises

NO NEWS IS NOT GOOD NEWS Use technology to show students what is going on in their world Search online news sites like CNN or MSNBC Search local newspaper site Internet Public Library Encourage them to explore today’s issues The Why Files Uses current events as basis for science, health and technology lessons How Stuff Works is a site to find information on any topic that interests a student

MAKE TIME FOR SCIENCE Fitting in science when there is such an emphasis on math and reading can be difficult Take a minute to explore NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day or Goddard Space Centers Earth Science Picture of the Day You can also explore Today in Science History

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