At your fingertips

It's been a slow journey, but we are catching up to the technology curve. We now have data projectors for every classroom on campus, media carts available for check out in the library, an updated library lab and COWS, new Elmos, and a new computer lab. We've added 16 ProScopes to the Science Department through a CPSF grant, new maps for Social Studies and a subscription to Maps 101, and are trying out some new technology, the Schoolpad 400.

Even though we are getting closer to meeting our technology needs, we still need to expand our comfort zones. That will take time - time for training and time for practice. The biggest obstacle to integrating technology into classrooms is lack of adequate training for teachers (Cuban, 2001). Until we can change to a 36 hour day, we might have to jump in and rely on our kids' computer expertise when we encounter gliches. However, the more we use the equipment and software, the more comfortable we will become, eventually needing less assistance.

Differentiation through technology

Our students have many learning styles that technology can help meet. Try taking the online learning style survey to see what your specific learning styles are and then share the site with your students when convenient.

Our students' different learning styles can be addressed in many ways with technology. Interactive whiteboards and tablets allow kinesthetic interaction, data projectors help enhance lessons for visual learners, and streaming videos enable visual and aural learners a chance to grasp concepts in ways not possible with just lecture and worksheets. The key is to match the most effective learning environment with each learner.

Suggested sites with tips for integrating technology for authentic differentiation:
Ten Tips for Differentiation
Technology and Multiple Intelligences
Layered Curriculum
Enhance Learning with Technology
Strategies for Effective Use of the Internet
Knowledge Network
Assorted Resources on Differentiation

Odds and Ends

Following is a list of sites where you can get lesson plan ideas, streaming videos, resources on current events, etc.

Library of Congress
United Streaming
National Geographic
MSNBC & Using Comics in the Classroom
Google for Educators
PBS Teachers
Verizon Thinkfinity
Dr. Ellis.net
Mary Griffin's website
Plenty more ... do a Google search for "Teacher Resources"