Replacement+Ideas

=Replacement Ideas=

I think using a web site like this could replace taking an actual trip. This can alleviate not only the financial responsibilities of the school and parents, but the planning stress put on the teachers. It can be used in a large group or in a small group, and can be replayed as often as necessary. While there is no replace of an actual visit, this is a very close second choice. I do agree but sometimes when children take the actual field trip in their immediate surroundings there is so much which they can do with it. I plan to use a forest area for a field trip from this my students will make websites and a brief documentary which they will upload to Youtube.

__ SMART Boards or Interactive Whiteboards __
The SMART Board or IWB (interactive whiteboard) has replaced the overhead projector and the chalkboard in my classroom and in many others. It is a great interactive tool for both the teacher and the student; one can present a workbook page, a video clip, play a game, or present notes - save them and add to them the next day, and later print them off for any of my absent students or a special needs to students that require a scribe, but one is not available at that class time. Along with the internet, the IWB allows teachers and students to take virtual field trips, and with budget cuts, the field trips are usually the first of the items to go. I have even done a virtual dissection of an owl pellet and have taken a trip to Ellis Island with my class while studying an immigration unit. My students love to be in charge of the interactive whiteboard. They enjoy being able to align it – making sure that it is in working condition, change the pen style or color, and manipulate the position of objects. The SMART Board software or IWB program can be installed on computers that are not attached to an IWB, and if one creates an interactive activity using the software or program, the activity now becomes a learning center at your computers. These are just a few ways in which the SMART Board/IWB can provide a more engaging and motivating learning experience.

__ Digital Cameras __
The digital camera has been used to replace pictures which I usually cut from magazines or get from old books. Today I use the computer and the DVD to show the students video of actual scenes. I also allow my students to create their own pictures instead of taking pictures from magazines they use digital cameras to take actual pictures and take them to class for discussions and other activities such as story building.

Digital Cameras can also replace illustrating steps in procedures, creating collections of objects, identifying plants and animals, documenting the signs of the seasons, recording the progress of an investigation, stages of the life cycle, using photos for prompts in narrative and descriptive writing, class books, and All About Me Books. I plan to replace drawing in our All About Me Books with digital photographs of the children. We will download our pictures on Zooburst.com to make 3-D books about ourselves. The website is [|www.zooburst.com].

__ Web 2.0 __
I think using Web 2.0 can replace many traditional lesson plans that teachers use. Under "Writing Tools" there is a site that teachers can create picture books drawn by their students. I think this is wonderful because I celebrate Dr. Seuss Day by having my students create a classroom book by using construction paper and sensory objects. Using this web site allow me to accomplish the same goals but be able to incorporate technology into my curriculum. Web 2.0 allows for any teacher to be able to upgrade their curriculum for almost any unit.

I also agree that Web 2.0 sites can replace many traditional lesson plans, by using alternative resources instead. For example, when creating timelines, through the use of the different timeline websites and digital cameras, these resources can replace actually making timelines with paper, pencil, etc.. and gives a new way of viewing history. The students will definitely be more engaged and it will make a memorable impression for them.

__ Bookflix.comt __
I think using the Scholastic web site would be able to replace the teacher reading the story to the entire class at one time. Using the story online, the teacher can divide the students into smaller groups and work in centers, or be able to (for example) take the slower learners and read them the story while the higher level learners read the story on the computer more independently. Since the books are online, the students can read and re-read the story while the teacher is involved in other activities. This might also work well if there is a classroom aide or older students that are volunteering at a particular time.

__ Podcasting __
Instead of oral presentations, podcasts can be used to effectively present research done by students. Podcasts are easy to use and are more relevant to the 21st Century classroom. Children who get bored easily in class will feel very much as if they are in charge of their learning when they are given tasks to create presentations using podcasts.

__ ** Graphic Organizers ** __ Graphic organizers can be used to replace questioning students after a learning experience. They are very effective in gathering information. They bring clarity to students and assist each student to grasp concepts despite the learning levels of students. It really replaces complexity and paves the way for organizing and grouping thoughts that will get children to write in an effective way. Graphic organizers are really platforms for ensuring that students are clear about concepts taught in the classroom.