Journal Article Summary & Review #1

Technology Integration: Ideas That Work
Summary and Reaction

In schools today, technology is a tool used for instruction, not just a subject of instruction. This article discusses many different aspects of technology, and how it is used to enhance teaching.
The internet has many sites that can be integrated into the classroom, not only by students, but by teachers and administrators as well. Refdesk.com is a website that contains much information, from a thought and word of the day, to links to newspapers, to dictionary and thesaurus links, as well as to many other activities. The article outlines how a teacher can use a website like Refdesk.com to teach subjects like science, and history.
There are many ways to integrate technology into the classroom, and this article discusses some of them. One way that I found interesting was to use an internet scavenger hunt to integrate technology into almost any topic. I liked the idea of having younger students do an internet scavenger hunt as a way to become more familiar (and therefore more comfortable) with using the internet to find information. Betty Kistler, retired K-8 computer teacher/coordinator discusses how she found that at first most teachers felt more secure using the internet in the classroom lab when she was there, but after they had used it for a while, they became more comfortable with it. I related to this, not because of using the internet, but of using the technology itself. I don’t have a lot of experience using technologies other than word processing. I would have liked to read more about how schools are training their teachers to use the new technologies, and what technologies are being used most.
This article is a good source of information on a number of internet-based activities that can be used for all grade levels. It lists various web pages and links, such as Puzzlemaker, which can be used to create crossword puzzles, and (my favorite) word searches, as well as many other activities for students.
It discusses how to use PowerPoint as an interactive tool, instead of just as a tool to give presentations. Other applications that are covered are Excel and word processing, and how each one can be used to enhance classroom instruction. For example, in third grade, a teacher can use the spelling list and word processing to teach keyboarding techniques while practicing spelling words (type each word on the spelling list five times). Students love using the computer, so this is a good way for them to practice keyboarding for a few minutes each day, while also working on their spelling list.
Teachers can use a SMART Board and a projector to project PowerPoint presentations for class. This article briefly discusses how to incorporate these technologies into classroom instruction and promote student interaction. I liked how different ideas are discussed to make students and teachers more interactive during instruction. I would have liked some links to websites for various grade levels that have activities on them where a teacher and student can be interactive using a SMART Board.
Finally, the article outlines the importance of administrators and how important they are in the integration of technology into their schools.