Digital Inventory

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. -Mandela


New techology is being developed and mass produced at an alarming rate. As educators, it is our responsibility to learn how to use these tools and learn how to effectively use them in the classroom. While technology is a great resource, it does not benefit anyone if it is not used effectively and with purpose. Here are some suggestions to help get you started:

Assessibility to Technology:
Figure out what you have access to at home and at school. Sometimes, it is easier to download or create lessons or videos at home.
Click the following link to see a Digital Inventory I created during the fall of 2012 for Seneca Middle School. This is a brief overview of technology and websites used throught the school.

CONNECT:
Use technology to connect with students, parents, and other teachers/ classrooms. Connecting allows you to share ideas and student work, create a global community, engage students and parents, and link with other classrooms and professionals.
There is no need to reinvent the wheel. The Internet provides a host of ideas. Join a professional learning community to become inspired or help others. Gather resources for lessons or watch/ create videos highlighting instructional strategies.

Two effective tools you can use to connect are blogging and classroom websites. Click here for a list of suggestions to help you start blogging and desiging your classroom website.


 PLAN AHEAD: When planning to incorporate technology into a lesson, be sure to take the following steps:

1. Determine the lesson objective first:
   Before selecting what type of technology tool you want to use, determine the objective of the lesson. While the technology may be "cool", it may not fit the objective you are trying to achieve.
2. Complete a technology test:
   Try out the technology you want to use before you introduce it to your class. Be prepared to answer student questions.
3. Plan ahead:
   YES, there will be technical difficulties. Make sure you have a backup plan should something go wrong.
4. Assessment:
   Determine if the lesson was a success or failure. What could be done to make improvements? Did the students benefit from using technology? How?

Check out this video on how to incorporate technology successfully in the classroom.

Don't know where to start?
Click here to find a comprehensive list of up-to-date web 2.0 tools and applicatons. Many are free to download and use! You can "tag" specific topics to find what application can work for you.

Additional Links:
Todaysmeet: This is quick way to engage students in a "chatroom" format. It is safe and easy to use. The teacher sets up the "chatroom" and provides students the link. The "chatroom" can be available to access for up to a year.
TeachingChannel: This is a non-profit organization that provides videos of innovative and effective teaching strategies. Teachers can collaborate and participate in discussion boards.
ePals: ePals is a safe way to connect schools around the world by providing collaborative cultural exchange and language learning projects and opportunities.
Glogster