Technology Tools to Enhance Instructional Strategies – Effective and Fun! Dr. Monica Shepherd, NCDPI Danielle Simmons, CMS

Technology can be a great tool for motivating and engaging students. Brain research shows that if students are engaged, they learn more. If we're able to connect them to real life situations, they're much more interested. What a powerful motivation technology is and what a broad range of skills - scientific analysis, communication skills, problem-solving - are involved. - Cheryl Lemke, executive director of the Milken Exchange on Education Technology during an interview with Judy Salpeter editor of Technology and Learning magazine

According the the US Bureau of the Census, in 2003, 57% of students 7-17 used a computer at home to complete school assignments.

It is now That was 10 years ago! Today …

Benefits Technology … Promotes learning at a quicker pace Allows for greater depth of understanding Aids students in completing tasks faster Develops higher writing fluency Keeps students engaged Makes better connections Allows for environmental flexibility Gives students access

Communication To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as our guide to our communication with others. Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.

Communication Send s using animated avatars like vokivoki School and classroom websites, wikis, and blogswikis Social media, such as Twitter or FacebookTwitter Text messaging via Remind101 or Google phone

Instruction There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails. – Nancy Kassebaum

Instruction Khan Academy Youtube Discovery Education Prezi

Learning We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world. – David Warlick

Learning WolframAlpha Information gathering Zite Automatic information gathering based on favorite topics Free.ed.gov Primary sources, videos and photos Studyblue Flashcards

Assessments Advances in technology can improve the quality, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of assessments. – Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium

Assessment Memograph and Penzu Online journaling and reflections TitanpadTitanpad, Google Docs and SyncSpaceFree Collaborative online workspace ExtranormalExtranormal, Puppet Pals and InkleWriter Online skits, virtual and interactive stories Tiki-toki Interactive timeline and storyboards pen.iopen.io and Glogster Instant websites and online posters

Websites for Teachers Scholastic’s 25 Best Websites for Teachers The Best Websites for Teachers K Websites for Elementary Teachers Instructional Websites for Classrooms

Tips for Engaging Students

Tip #1: Content Post fresh, useful content Encourage students to contribute inside and outside classroom Include materials to be used in future lessons Share information about upcoming assessments Post hints for completing assignments Provide links for resources to aid assignment completion

Tip #2: Experiment Become an expert at the online components students are being asked to use Ask other educators about their experiences and knowledge about technological resources Experiment, experiment, experiment

Tip #3: Communicate Promote online communication Use social media Engage them!

Tip #4: Show Them Model the use of technology Share successes and failures with the students Let students know how they are being held accountable for their work

Tip #5: Be Creative Use students’ interests to drive instruction Let the students be the teachers Reference technology during pen and paper assignments

Education is evolving due to the impact of the internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period. – April Chamberlain

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