Sunday, August 30, 2009

Working Definition

Technology integration is defined as the use of technology to enhance and support the educational environment. The educational environment can be enhanced by allowing the students access to materials and reference that they would otherwise not be able to use. This can be done through the use of the internet. One example would be the use of the internet to put student in contact with first had sources that could give them information about a certain subject they were studying. Many times in education the textbooks are outdated and the internet would allow the students access to much more updated material. Technology integration in the classroom can also support classroom instruction by creating opportunities for students to complete assignments on the computer rather than the normal pencil and paper. The computer has access to graphics and other functions students can use to express their creativity. Technology integration does not always have to do with the computer. It can be the use of the overhead projector, student response clickers, etc. Enhancing how the student learns is very important in technology integration.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Introduction

This blog will help teachers to understand how technology can help to increase participation in the classroom. Many times students do not want to answer out loud in class or they are just shy. Many times the use to technology can help a student better understand a subject or it can help to bring a student of his or her shell. This blog will help to show you both.

In this blog we will show you how Voicethread can help students in the classroom. Many don’t even know what the tool is for and not knowing sparks fear for many people. We plan on helping teachers to understand this and other tools that may be of great help to them in the classroom.

This blog can also be used to show teachers how they can use a blog in the classroom. Many individuals donot know what a blog is or what it is used for. This is my first blog but it will definately not be my last. Blogs enable individuals to show progress in a certain subject. As the semester progresses I hope that the different discussions within this blog help teachers to better understand the concept of Technology Integration