Pay Attention-- Let's Speak their language!

I saw the most powerful youtube video which I have embedded here for you. It's all about using technology in the classroom and how to make teaching relevant to students. It's staggering to see here the percentage of students who don't think what they're learning is relevant outside of the classroom. And let's be honest, didn't you feel the same way when you were in school? And, of course, if you think you'll never use it outside of school, then why master it in the first place, right? I'd love to read your comments about the video.

Technology without training..AGH!

It's important to remember that incorporating hands on technology assignments for your students must be accompanied by a little technology training. If students aren't given the tools needed to complete their assignments, it can lead to frustration. You know how it feels as teachers when a new software system is rolled out with minimal training-- AGH!

If you are asking your students to complete a webquest, you want the majority of their time to be spent on learning the subject rather than experiencing technical difficulties. A simple handout provided beforehand with suggested internet addresses can get them started. If you are working with a new technology, it may be helpful to provide them with a handout with screen captures that guides them through the necessary steps.

The 'Good 'Ol Days' are Gone, but were they really that good?!?

I know some teachers look back on days gone by and they are nostalgic for the days before technology had crept into every corner of their classroom. Technology is everywhere--it can be the new smartboard the school has put in the classroom, or the ever present cell phones students keep typing away on while the lecture is being presented. Teachers know they are supposed to be incorporating technology into their lesson plans, but they're not sure how to do it. What's wrong with doing things the way they were always done?

The answer is doing things the way they were always done sets our students up for failure when they enter the workforce. Technology is a way of life and the global workforce expects it's workers to be savvy or they'll find someone else who can do it, even if it means having it done in another country (and for cheaper a lot of the time!). Sadly, the United States is far from leading the pack when it comes to math and the hard sciences. In order for our students and our country to compete in the global marketplace, teachers have got to prepare students for a technical world. In all reality, teachers need to get technically savvy to not only prepare students but to KEEP UP with students. Students, today, have been brought up in the world of computers, email, blogs, and texting! In order to REACH our students, we need to speak their language.

Here are some links to valuable resource information:
http://www.4teachers.org/ (Teach with Technology)

http://www.microsoft.com/education/lessonplans.mspx (Microsoft Lesson Plans for teachers)

http://www.startechprogram.org/technology/usingtech.html (Great resource with links to other websites, articles and e-zines to assist you in integrating technology in your classroom)