How to Integrate Technology in an Elementary Classroom
As technology becomes more and more ingrained in society, being tech-savvy is increasingly important. Teaching children how to navigate the Internet and how make best use of technology is now vital to their future success in school and beyond. Also, according to the U.S. Department of Education, using technology in the classroom motivates students and boosts their self esteem. Though there are a variety of expensive technological tools available to educators, you do not need the latest gadget to produce effective, technology-based lesson plans. Use the students' own creativity and the curriculum to inspire a more technological teaching approach.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a projector or an interactive whiteboard to familiarize students with computer basics, such as word processing and the Internet. For example, show them how to use a search engine so that they get the best, most reliable results. After showing them these basic skills, let them practice what they have learned in the computer lab or on classroom computers.
-
2
Assign podcasts as homework. By listening to and reporting on the information in the podcasts, students are able to learn the curriculum while also developing better listening comprehension skills. According to Scholastic, National Geographic's "Animal Chronicles" podcast, and the "Sixty-Second Science" podcast by Scientific American work well for the elementary school audience, since they are both geared toward kids.
-
-
3
Instruct older elementary students, such as fifth- and sixth-graders, in how to set up their own individual blogs. According to Education World, student blogs are a useful way of teaching communication skills, checking for comprehension and motivating students to take an active part in the curriculum. Give the students a prompt, such as a quote, book excerpt or news article, to expand on in their blog entries.
-
4
Use free video calling technology, such as Skype or Google Video Chat to learn first-hand about other cultures. Arrange for the students to have pen pals from another part of the country or from a foreign country. Have them share their stories over a webcam and through email.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check that the Internet at school has been filtered to block adult content and supervise student Internet-use at all times to ensure that it is being used in a safe, appropriate manner.
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
