Research

=Research= I have found an article that reinforces my views as well as gives some logical disadvantages to VFTs. Although this article concentrates on geosciences, I feel its points are valid for any topic. It states that most schools and universities are using virtual field trips as opposed to an actual visit because they are easier to plan, cheaper, and more convenient. When choosing a VFT web site, the teacher should not only look at the presentation, but also at its reinforcement tools. It should have tests, quizzes, games, and a glossary for follow-up lessons. This article acknowledges that a computer program will hold the attention of a student longer than seeing pictures in a text book. After all, our students are growing up in an age where technology is used everywhere and books are not as exciting as they once used to be. Students can benefit from VFT because it is a whole learning experience that will not soon be forgotten.

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__SMART Boards or Interactive Whiteboards__
The bottom line – is the SMART Board/IWB worth the investment? The answer I found on many sites is if a school has the money to invest in the product then by all means they should do so []. There are many websites out there that provide teachers with interactive lessons or ideas to effectively use the IWB The following link provides many interactive websites or premade notebook activities one could use with the SMART Board or IWB [] [] Scholastics __Instructor Magazine__ presented an article in their winter 2011 issue titled //“30 Simple Ideas for Interactive Whiteboards”//; the article may also be viewed at []. The 30 different ways mentioned in the article feature ideas for all subject areas; it even gives a quick tip on how to arrange your classroom when working collaboratively with technology. Many textbook and education websites are creating materials that are IWB friendly or especially designed for the use of the IWB; some of the materials are free or come with the purchase of the textbook and others you must subscribe to. If you use Scholastics __StoryWorks__ magazine their lessons and worksheets are already created to use on the interactive whiteboard. They will even link YouTube clips to enhance their lessons. Lakeshore Learning Materials has interactive games software specifically created for the IWB that one may purchase at a reasonable price to supplement their curriculum in all subject areas. [] []

__ Digital Cameras __
There are websites which will assist teachers in using the digital camera effectively. One such website is http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/digital/goingdigital.htm another website is http://www.brunswick.k12.me.us/lon/lonlinks/digicam/home.html I have come to realize how effective the use of digital cameras are in the classroom. Digital cameras are relevant to every subject area. I also find that as a result of the limited Internet access at my school I can use it effectively in conducting research which I can take back to school to assist students. In Science for instance when I am teaching the eye I take pictures of the students eyes and allow them to view them on computers and DVDS.

This article gives numerous ways in which digital literacy can be an effective instructional tool in the classroom. It defines the different types of digital stories and informs how to use them in different subject areas. It also describes how digital storytelling can be an effective learning tool for students through providing a strong foundation in many different types of literacies, to increasing literacy skills. It also lists challenges and other considerations that educators and students must face when implementing digital storytelling. Overall, I think the use of digital cameras can be a wonderful teaching and learning tool in the classroom. []

__ Web 2.0 __
I was able to find an article on how Web 2.0 is being used in many classrooms around the country. The article has polled administrators on how their teachers and students utilize these web sites and most of the responses were positive. There was concern by physical educators that the students need to move more, blogging, cyber bullying, and cheating were also causes of concern. However, when it came to academic subjects such as math, language arts, and social studies, the poll seemed to favor technology teaching. While this may be a hot topic of discussion, I don't think anyone can argue that technology is the way of the future and we need to find a way to use it in the best and safest possible ways.

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=__Bookflix.com__= The research on using Bookflix.com or for that matter any online book reading web site is very positive. It is usually difficult to try and get children to read, especially during the summer months, so incorporating technology and games is a fun way to encourage reading. If we as teachers or even parents go to a book store, we can spend much of our budgets just purchasing books, but once a part of an online reading community, this can alleviate the financial burden. Using a library is a wonderful idea, however, the child cannot keep the book, and the patron must remember to return the book on time or pay a late fee. I believe using online reading can help open a new and exciting world to our students.

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__ ** Podcasting ** __ Podcasting provides another dimension to teaching and learning in today’s classroom. Creative ways to use podcasts offer teachers and students a new approach for communicating assignment details and results. The big advantage for teachers with this student-centered podcast technology is it does not require any special equipment or software. Classrooms will need a computer with webcam or flip camera, and a microphone. Using creative ways to include podcasts in classes offer alternatives for student assignments. This includes class and student newsletters, oral presentations, interviews, how to’s, virtual field trips, teacher lessons, and much more. These multiple strategies engage students in learning through the opportunity to express their opinions, argue points of view, and share ideas. This podcast technology also has the benefit of building student communication and research skills. [] __ Graphic Organizers __ Graphic organizers can be used before, during and after instructions. Leading up to instructions they can be used to assess students to test their knowledge of the content to be taught or to allow them to create thoughts and ideas which could guide their learning. During learning they can serve as guides for discussion and tools for assisting students in grasping concepts. After instruction they can be used as guides for creating other pieces of work or to assess students learning. Graphic organizers can be constructed in many sizes and shapes. They are also effective tools which can assist teachers who have students with mixed abilities. They can be made in an endless variety of patterns such as mapping, mind maps, clusters and webbing. There are websites such as Inspiration from which teachers can a numerous variety of graphic organizers. []