Educators Get A 'Second Life'

Starr, L. (2009). Technology integration: ideas that work. Education World, Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech176.shtml

Summary: 

 This article strives to make technology adaptable and real for educators of all backgrounds.  From PowerPoint, Word Processing, and the integration of SMART Boards, teachers will learn how to use the programs to further enhance the learning of students.  Because students are using new technology outside of school, teachers must learn to adapt these techniques in the classroom to make their lessons relevant to today's technological climate.  Starr begins the article by unpacking how teachers and administrators can use the internet and web sites as a tool for teaching.  She even offers a number of valuable sites for teachers to use, including www.refdesk.com, which has a site of the day, quotes, news links, and a number of student related materials that help incorporate learning with computers.  Many science teachers talk about their use of lesson plans involving web sites that can simulate earthquakes, track astronomy paths, or use scavenger hunts to help students track down information.  

Starr's writing about Excel, PowerPoint, and Word Processing tools are quite informative, especially if the teacher is not versed in technology integration.  Interestingly, Starr not only encourages to use the programs as teaching and lecture tools, but also for students to create presentations and share information.  Word Processors, now quite common in most classrooms, are valuable tools for students to get command of for their future, as using word processors will likely be required in future educations or jobs.  Also, for students who do not excel at traditional writing, word processing can help organize ideas and speed up the process so students are more successful.  Using chat rooms, email, or group web sites can be a great way to enhance students familiarity with word processors, while incorporating new internet skills.  

The article concludes with a word to teachers and administrators to remain cognoscente about how technology is changing and what they can do to support their schools towards remaining current with the times.  In order to advance the education system, using technology which makes learning more engaging and easier for the students will only help their progress, making it imperative. 

Response:  

    Starr's article offered some interesting tips for teachers and how to incorporate technology into their classrooms, but it seems geared for those not familiar with technology in any way.  I can see how her suggestions would help someone unaware with the advancing technologies of today, but for most others, it reads quite elementary.  However, the section about using the internet offered a number of valuable web sites for teachers and students.  I particularly enjoyed the Library of Congress website, www.loc.org, for it has an abundance of information for history teachers, as well as being easily navigable for students.  Such web sites can be difficult to find, but are immensely useful in a classroom equipped with computers.  Overall, I would recommend this article for someone unsure of how to use technology in their classroom, and even for those simply looking for new, creative ideas to incorporate for their students.