Technology+Resources

=Technology Resources=

Here is a web site for free virtual field trips. Let's face it, with budget cuts, field trips are one of the first items to go, not to mention it seems these days parents are struggling financially and cannot afford to pay for the trips either, and of course there are those places that aren't very close but it would be nice to see real pictures from various parts of the country, or even throughout time. While the web site is limited in the choices for VFT, it can still be used as a very good reinforcement tool. The user would simply scroll to the place they would like to visit and can choose a presentation and games to play.

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__SMART Board or Interactive Whiteboards__
The SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard developed by SMART Technologies. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard functions as part of a system that includes the interactive whiteboard, a computer, a projector, and whiteboard software called the SMART Notebook collaborative learning software. The projector is connected to the computer and displays the computer’s desktop image on the interactive whiteboard. The interactive whiteboard accepts touch input from a finger, pen or other solid object. Most models of the SMART Board include a pen tray on the front of the interactive whiteboard. The tray holds four plastic pens and an eraser. When the pen is removed from its opening, the software processes the next contact on the surface as a pen action allowing a person to write in a selected color with the pen tool, finger, or any other object. A similar action takes place when the eraser is removed, allowing one to erase the board with the eraser, the use of one’s finger or another object. The SMART Board is an interactive electronic white board which can enhance instruction and learning. The SMART Notebook software makes it possible for teachers to create, rich dynamic lessons which address specific student skills. There are many interactive websites, pre-made notebook activity downloads, and resources available to use with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard too. Every classroom in our district has a SMART Board. I have had one in my classroom now for the last six years and honestly when it is not working, I begin to have an anxiety attack. I use it for everything. My students sign in for the day by sliding their name to buying a lunch or brought a lunch and I continue using it all day long for every subject. I even end the day with their homework agenda posted on the board and then saving it for future reference. There are other interactive whiteboards, IWB, products out there on the market that work in a similar method but are more reasonably priced such as the Mimio Teach interactive system. Does anyone else have a SMART Board or a tool similar to it that they use in their classroom and how do you use it?

We are not that fortunate here in my country to use SMART Boards on a large scale but I am aware of it and its uses. What I do is to make efforts to use what I have. I use other forms of technologies such as digital cameras, word webs, MP3 players, White Boards and Over head projectors. I find relevant ways of including them in the lessons I teach. In recent times I have limited access to the Internet, so we become engaged in a bit of surfing for discussion purposes. Mr Palestis has recommended some websites I find them to be interesting and helpful I am overwhelmed by the numerous strategies which they have shared on these websites.

__Digital Cameras__
Digital Cameras are educational tools that support purposeful instruction with a clear vision on curriculum instruction, assessment, and reflection. It is a great innovation for our "instant results" generation. Basically, through digital photography, pictures are immediately available, pictures are saved in graphic format, and they are easily transferred from the camera to the computer. While most schools lack money for expensive technologies, digital cameras are becoming more affordable and a better bargain. The following website gives great details on how to use a digital camera in the classroom:

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The following website gives great information on how to use a digital camera: []

I believe that the digital camera is an excellent tool which can be used to effectively assist in the learning process. A digital camera can be used to take still pictures and videos. These devices can do things a film camera cannot do. They can display picture and videos immediately after they are taken and recorded. I usually use it when I am teaching any subject at all. Let us say I want my students to describe the fish market which is miles away. I find time and I visit this market place and then present the scenes to my students on television or my lap top. I get children to pretend that they were a part of the scene and then have them discuss what they have seen and heard. I allow them to share ideas in groups then I have them write about what they have seen. The digital camera is rather easy to manipulate. First you must always ensure that it is turned on then choose your scenes to video or capture focus the lens on these objects then press capture button. These pictures may be transferred to your computer or you can use a USB cord to attach it to a television set or computer.

__ Web 2.0 __
Web 2.0 offers many educational web sites in all school subjects. Most of them are easy to use with simple directions for the teacher as well as the students. I found many ideas under the category "Creative Tools." My students respond best to music and colors, Imagination Cubed web site was great because it was very simple cause and effect. The student would use the mouse, or if using a touch screen or SMART Board, would use his/her hands and the pattern or lines would appear on the monitor. It also has a pull down menu for stamps, text font, shapes, lines, and background color. It also can turn into a grid for any teacher that is teaching coordinates, but my favorite part of this is the ability to email the finished product to someone. I think many of my students' parents will enjoy receiving an email of their child's drawing.

The Web 2.0 Cool Tools for schools is a great website. It is teacher friendly and offers an array of resources to use. The creativity tools, organizing tools, writing tools, and teacher resources were among some of the sites that I reviewed. One website that I found beneficial was [|www.diffen.com]. This website compares and contrast any subjects. Under organizing tools, there are great graphic organizers and timeline tools. I found [|www.timetoast.com] to be user friendly in creating timelines. Another useful website is [|www.zooburst.com]. This website enables students to make their own 3-D pop-up books.

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__﻿Bookflix.com__
Here is a link from Scholastic that has a free trial then after its paid membership. The site will read the story showing the pictures and words to the students and also has the capability for the students to see non-fiction as well as fiction storybooks. The user can use the read along method and help reinforce vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. If the child (or children) choose they can use the read along method and the story will be read to them, or they can simply read and turn the pages on their own if capable and at their own pace. After the story there is a section for games to assist in comprehension and vocabulary usage in a fun and interactive way. It also includes web sites to use after the story to reinforce the topic they just read about.

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__ Podcasting __ Podcasts are very easy and reasonable audio recordings of activities or presentations that students can listen to on their personal MP3 players. These devices can be used to access new information, record their own presentations, and review content that is presented or archived in this format. The following website gives direction on how to use this technological resource can be used effecively in the classroom. []

__ Graphic Organizers __ I have also realized that graphic organizers can make a real difference in introducing concepts or key ideas to students. Students could use their graphic organizers to show how well their understandings of a concept have grown. The excellent thing about graphic organizers is that they can be used before, during and after instruction. After using graphic organizers for a period of time, children can create their own to show how well they have developed an understanding of the content taught. The following websites could teach or assist teachers how to effectively use these graphic organizers.

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