Technology+Tools+in+the+Classroom

Pocasting is an online archive of recorded information. These audio recordings provide information ranging from every subject and grade level in a classroom. Children can watch videos and receive instruction and reinforcement of important information. It is a very convenient tool because you are able to download these documents to a MP3 player and take them where ever you go. It also allows teachers and student to hear various opinions and helpful tips about any subject or issue. Here is a website to learn more about Podcasts: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/technology/techspecial2/25podcast.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
 * Podcasts**

Podcasts are a cheap way of distributing information to students. The podcasts can either be made by students or teachers. It is intriguing that a student can produce a podcast, and it has the potential to be heard across the world. In addition as previously mentioned podcasts can be downloaded onto mp3 players and brought anywhere with anybody. There are many advantages to podcasts that make them very good for classrooms. They are very cheap, and it could only cost $10 to get recording devices and the cost of software to make your own podcast. It can make learning certain things fun! Podcasts also are a way for students to have an outlet for creativity, and can lead to lessons and learning about different things like copyrights. To learn more about advantages of podcasts go: http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/classroom-audio-podcasting.html

A recent technology tool that I have been introduced to is the "clicker" system in the classroom. Clickers are used for classes that have a larger amount of students. They serve the purpose of answering questions as well as for an attendance record. They allow teachers to do some activities that they normally would not be able to do with such a large class. With a huge lecture, a teacher would normally not be able to take attendance or take surveys/do activites with the class. Clickers help to include all students in participating in questions in a short amount of time. To find out more about clickers go to :http://www.interwritelearning.com/products/prs/radio/detail.html These clickers are known as Interwrite PRS which is described as "the most powerful and flexible student response system." This system is very helpful in large lecture halls, as the students are able to complete tests/quizzes with the clickers. These interwrites have high radio frequency technology as well as a variety of question formats including: multiple choice, true/false, numeric, short answer, rank order, decimal point, etc. These PRS' are very helpful for professors and teachers across the world and help make lessons/tests/assignments faster and easier as the teacher does not have to pass out a piece of paper to every single student in the class, rather they can just complete the assignment with the clicker from the system.

Technology tools are becoming more and more popular in the classroom. Today, there are many websites that serve as resources for teachers, the student, and even classrooms as a whole. This webstie, ALTEC, has a community of links that can take you to certain sites, such as 4kids.org, 4teachers.org. They are all very beneficial and can cover all lessons in the classroom and how to incorporate them into technology, such as onlone games, puzzles, and even online quizzes. For teachers, the website offers ideas for lesson plans, and other great oppurtonities and resources. For more information, visit; http://www.altec.org/

Powerpoints are used even more in classrooms these days. Powerpoints are used to make interactive presentations. Using powerpoint you can include text, photos, art, video clips, and more. It can also be used to present information to the class, present quizzes, or cover notes for the students to copy. Teachers no longer have to write on a chalkboard but everything can be organized into a powerpoint instead. This link below gives teachers ideas and examples of powerpoints for the classroom. http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech013.shtml

Another great tool that can be used in classrooms are digital cameras. They are usually used for everyday use, but in classrooms they can be very beneficial. The following website has links such as tips, where to purchase them and why digital cameras should be used in the classroom. For example, a 7th grade teacher decided to have her students bring in insects they have collected. They then took pictures of the insects and then collected data about their certain eating habits, and living conditions. At the same time as teaching a science lesson, the teacher is allowing her students to become more familiar with the idea of cameras and technology. For more information, visit the following URL; http://www.brunswick.k12.me.us/lon/lonlinks/digicam/teacher/home.html

Clickers: Clickers are an educational technology tool that can be used in the classroom. One way that clickers can be used are to answer multiple choice questions. Teachers can put a question up on a projector on any material that has been gone over in class, and students can answer the question annonymously. This is beneficial for both the teacher as well as to the student. The teacher can get a feel of whether the students are understanding the material, and the students in turn can test themselves to see what they know. Another advantage of using clickers is that you can get instant results.

Wikis in the classroom are becoming more and more popular. They have many benefits for everyone involved. The following website allows you to visit other sites that provides information and ideas for teachers and what to do in their class. One thing is that the student is able to familiarize themselves better with the internet and internet searching techniques. For more information on how to use wikis in the classroom visit the following URL; http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/sites/sites079.shtml

http://gsi.berkeley.edu/resources/discussion/var_strats.html This website is great for teachers to keep their classrooms interesting. It gives many ideas and instruction on how to teach through different activities. It lists teaching methods such as peer teaching and learning, class debates, role playing case studies creative simulations and scenarios. Teachers can learn how to incorporate unlike lesson environments with their everyday curriculum material.
 * Variation in the classroom**