edu-tastic

The task of using technology in the classroom seemed really daunting at first, because of the number of tools, subjects, and how easy it would be to just replace, rather than supplement, instruction with computer games. My practicum assignment now has computers and projectors and microscopes and Interwrite tablets available in every classroom, but I realize that not all schools will have access to all these tools. One of the easiest technological tools to implement in the classroom would be webquests. They are easily accessible for any school with a computer lab or any classroom with a projector. Webquests are important, then, because they can be used practically everywhere and cover so many topics. Another great thing: there’s tons already made. Having a collection of resources is great because you can use and modify them according to your needs. In my practicum classes, they used subscription sites, like BrainPop, quite frequently. The disadvantage to this, of course, is the paid subscription. My cooperating teacher took full advantage of trial periods and multiple registered email addresses though. Using technology in the classroom also increases student responsibility in their learning because of their interactive nature, whether working through a webquest, posting to a blog, or typing on DANAs. Writing the technology lesson plans also helped in understanding how technology could be implemented in the classroom, as well as the potential problems that could arise. The teachers I talked with about using technology generally had the same idea, “If it works, it’s great, but always have Plan B.”

Filed under: Uncategorized and