Kate Di Camillo

Check out this SlideShare Presentation - This is an example of something students could create using technology in the classroom.

Kate Di Camillo

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Internet Evaluation

Check out this SlideShare Presentation - Important things to think about when using technology with students, especially the Internet.

Internet Evaluation

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Links to Interesting Sites

Below are links to sites that provide additional information and resources for the use of technology in the elementary classroom.

~Classroom Resources in Technology: http://www.suelebeau.com/techresources.htm

~Doug Johnson's Website: http://www.doug-johnson.com/

~Technology and Education Reform: http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/index.html

~Technology Integration Made Easy: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml

A Video About Integrating Technology

Technology in the Elementary Classroom - Two Page Paper

Educators and students are touched by technology on a daily basis. Whether it is checking e-mail, accessing an online video, or conducting research, no one is immune from becoming technologically savvy in today’s society. However, many elementary educators find it difficult to teach technology skills to their students due to time constraints, as well as the lack of technology available in many classrooms today.

In many elementary schools, students watch as their teachers integrate technology daily into their lessons. Some use the Internet to demonstrate how to locate research information, while others tie online streaming videos into their lessons. No matter how or why a child is touched by technology, it should not only be from an educator’s perspective. Students need the chance to practice using technology themselves, so they can become familiar and comfortable with it. Today’s world is changing daily in regards to technology. In order for all children to be ready to embrace new technologies, educators must realize that students are ready to learn these technologies for themselves. In an article written by Meris Stansbury, several new technologies are discussed which many feel “…will have a profound impact on K-12 education within the next five years or sooner” (Stansbury, 2009). With new technologies entering our students’ world at such a rapid speed, we, as educators, must have the skills and resources needed in order to successfully introduce and teach our students these new technologies. Without this training, our students run the risk of lagging behind their peers who are technologically savvy.

One easy way for educators to begin discovering ways to integrate technology into their academic day is to seek guidance from the library media specialist (LMS). As Doug Johnson states, “Having a partner in any enterprise that seems risky lessens the fear factor and improves one’s chance for success” (Johnson, 2008). LMSs of today are trained in using technology with students from every age and ability group. The role of the LMS in today’s library has evolved from the librarian of the past which sat behind the circulation desk and checked out books, to the LMS of today that works with students in the library, collaborates with teachers to integrate technology and media into lessons, and ensures students' and teachers' research and information needs are met. As Linda Starr discusses, “…technology should be integrated, not as a separate subject or as a once-in-a-while project, but as a tool to promote and extend student learning on a daily basis” (Starr, 2009). By collaborating with the LMS, lessons can be collaboratively planned to integrate academics, library skills, and technology seamlessly into lessons which give students the chance to practice and learn technology. By giving students a purpose for learning the new technology skill, they are more likely to remember the newly acquired skill. They will also be more likely to want to use this skill in the future. If no purpose is given for learning a skill, then chances are more likely that the student will only learn the skill in isolation and not be able to apply it the next time it is needed.

In closing, educators of all backgrounds must remember how quickly our world is changing both academically and technologically. Students and teachers will benefit from the use of technology within the classroom setting, while students will be prepared to embrace new technological advances as they occur. As teachers, students, and LMSs work together, our students will become better rounded and eager to tackle new technologies as they are created. Overall, students will continue to be eager to learn, celebrate their successes, and embrace new technologies, all with the care, support, and guidance of their teachers and librarians.

Works Cited
Johnson, D. (2008, September 15). The librarian: Your technology partner. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from Educational World: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/columnists/johnson/johnson007.shtml

Stansbury, M. (2009, March 29). Six technologies soon to affect education. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from eSchoolMedia: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2009/03/26/six-technologies-soon-to-affect-education/

Starr, L. (2009, August 11). Technology integration made easy. Retrieved January 28, 2010, from Education World: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml

Photo Credit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/judybaxter/12214724/in/set-298275/