Smartboards

This week we are exploring the use of Smartboards in the classroom. Many districts have them in their classrooms already and these students are very fortunate. Smartboards allow for interactive lessons to take place and use technology in new and exciting ways. I have used my lesson before to help students with geography. The lesson I used was a map of Eastern Europe and it allows students to click on the country and find capitals and other interesting facts. More steps need to be taken to get this type of tecnology into every class so all students can experience the greatness of the Smartboard.

A New and Wonderful Tool

Podcasts will have a place in my classroom. First, they are easy to do and there is so much you can do with them. It is perfect to record a lecture and students can access it and listen to it as many times as they please. It is also a great tool to use to keep students and parents up to date with the on-goings of the class and what will be expected of the students. Students can use them to create projects, an alternative to writing out papers, and it allows for students to be creative with their presentations. This is such a great tool! I really has limitless possibilities.

Webquest are Great!

This was a great project for me to do. I have heard so much about webquest, but I have never actually done one. Well it was a great experience. I used the site Zunal.com to create my webquest. It was really easy and it walked you through all of the proper steps to create a webquest. I did one one Reconstruction. It will be something I will use in my class in the future. If you want to look at it, here it is; http://zunal.com/webquest.php?user=25392

I am a Digital Immigrant!

I realized that I am a digital immigrant. I did not grow up with computers and I still am trying to feel my way through the technology maze. I came through school when computers were first being seen as a resource in the classroom. We would play some games and use the computer for a few assignments. I did not have a computer until I came to grad school. I still do not know how I got through my undergrad without a computer, but i did! I now see the value of web 2.0 and I love so many of the new programs and sites I have come across. It can be intimidating though. I know I will use technology in my class, but I have to pick and choose when and where to use it. I am becoming better using the computer but I am a true digital immigrant but I am becoming more familiar everyday!