WHAT WORKS IN EDUCATION The George Lucas Educational Foundation

Log In

We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

Featured:

More School Time, Well Spent, Boosts Academic Achievement and Engagement at Edwards Middle School

high school girls in a step dancing class

Featured:

Five Keys to Successful Social and Emotional Learning

Featured:

How to Thank a Teacher

Blogs on Technology Integration

Technology Integration

RSS

Discover fresh ideas for using technology in the classroom and at home to improve learning, encourage collaboration, and increase student engagement.

The Importance of Digital Citizenship in Social Media

Andrew MarcinekJanuary 26, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Digital Citizenship, Media Literacy, Technology Integration, All Grades

There is an important scene in the movie Hoosiers during the team's first practice. The coach, played by Gene Hackman walks into the gym and gathers the team together. He tells his team that practice is going to be different than what they are used to. The montage that follows highlights fundamental basketball. The boys are engaged in agility drills, ball handling drills, and a variety of defensive drills. Throughout the montage you hear players asking when they are going to shoot and scrimmage. Hackman replies, "There's more to the game than shooting! There's fundamentals and defense."

The Votes Are In: Edutopia’s Tech Integration Lesson Contest

Mary Beth HertzJanuary 20, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Lesson Plans, Primary (K-2), Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), English Language Arts, History, Visual Arts

We had some wonderful submissions for the first-ever lesson contest and the votes are in. First of all, I want to thank the 7 wonderful teachers who submitted lessons. Educators are always looking for inspiration, and I'm sure your lessons have inspired Edutopia readers around the globe.

Here are the results of the contest voting:

1st Place (22 votes)
Lesson 5: Surreal Animation - submitted by Janine Campbell

Why Media Literacy is Not Just for Kids

Suzie BossJanuary 19, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Digital Citizenship, Digital Divide, Media Literacy, Technology Integration, All Grades

Your students may be able to update their Facebook status in a heartbeat, but can they also write a thoughtful letter to the editor, voice their opinion on a call-in radio show, or access local media to advocate for community action?

Just Get Out There

Andrew MarcinekJanuary 12, 2011

Tags , Teacher Development, All Grades

Yesterday I was wavering on whether or not to go for a run outside. I hadn't run in awhile and for some reason I was concerned that I would not be able to eclipse the two mile mark. The temperature was a balmy 31 degrees and there was still a thin layer of snow covering the ground. All of the variables in play suggested I stay home. As I continued to devise excuses not to run, someone very special in my life simply said, "Just get out there."

This simple sentiment resonated with me.

Seven Tech Integration Lesson Plans: Let the Voting Begin!

Mary Beth HertzJanuary 6, 2011

Tags Lesson Plans, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), English Language Arts, History, Visual Arts

Last week I asked for readers to submit lessons that integrate technology for a chance to win a copy of Steven Johnson's new book, Digital Tools for Teaching. We had seven entries, and now it is up to you to choose the winning lesson.

Simply read over the lessons and vote for the one using the Google Form. Votes will be tallied this week and the winner will be announced in my next post on January 20th.

David Thornburg on Open-Source Textbooks

Betty RayJanuary 4, 2011

Tags Biology, Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Digital Divide, Open Education Resources, Technology Integration, Chemistry, High (9-12), Science

Editor's Note: Today's guest blogger is David Thornburg, Ph.D., a futurist, author, consultant and founder and Director of Global Operations for the Thornburg Center.

Edutopia's Tech Integration Lesson Contest

Mary Beth HertzDecember 22, 2010

Tags Lesson Plans, Primary (K-2), Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

So it's time for a little healthy competition here at the Elementary Technology Integration blog.

I have a brand new copy of Steve Johnson's new book, Digital Tools for Teaching: 30 E-tools for Collaborating, Creating, and Publishing across the Curriculum to give away to a lucky reader.

Tell us about a colleague you work with who would benefit from the book and why. Submit your nominee using the form below along with a lesson that integrates technology.

Help Students Use Social Media to Empower, Not Just Connect

Andrew MarcinekDecember 16, 2010

Tags Classroom Technology, , Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades

Students get it. They understand how easy it is to connect with one another, but don't fully realize the greater potential. As educators, we have all benefited greatly from our personal learning network or critical friends group. Some of us have garnered a job, found great content area resources, or tuned in to a conference. But are we transferring that potential to our students? And if so, are we giving them the proper guidance to travel down these varied paths?

Dragon's Den: A Reality TV Simulation for Research Writing (Guest Blogger)

Todd FinleyDecember 15, 2010

Tags Classroom Technology, Comprehensive Assessment, Formative Assessment, Mobile Learning, Student Engagement, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

Editor's Note: Today's guest blogger is Stephanie West-Puckett, a National Writing Project Teacher Consultant and a Teaching Instructor, Department of English, at East Carolina University

Got Game: How to Keep Girls Interested in Computer Science

Suzie BossDecember 9, 2010

Tags Classroom Technology, Technology Integration, High (9-12), District of Columbia, Maryland

When the regular school day ends at Maryland's Springbrook High School, the fun begins in earnest for girls who are part of an after-school club that focuses on game programming.