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.

Mary Beth HertzFebruary 1, 2013

What Is a "Hangout?"

A Hangout is a web-based tool created by Google for communicating through video. Up to ten people can "hang out" at one time in a virtual "room." A Hangout can be as simple or as complex as needed for the task at hand. It can be used simply to converse or, through the use of extra apps and add-ons that Google provides, a Hangout can become a robust, virtual meeting space.

Read More
Douglas RushkoffJanuary 24, 2013

I tried to write a single piece on raising digital kids at home -- but childhood is just too epic a journey for a single piece. Still, the overall strategy for technology in the home is the same from birth to high school graduation: match their developmental level, and make sure they understand whatever medium they are using from the inside out: who made this, how does it work, and what does it want from me?

Read More
Monica BurnsJanuary 23, 2013

There are so many tools that educators can use to get students interested and engaged in their work. Like most teachers today, I integrate technology into my instruction everyday. I'm lucky to work in a school with one-to-one technology and use iPads with my students throughout every school day. That makes it easy to use QR codes in my classroom -- and there are many reasons I love using QR codes!

Read More
Heather HilesJanuary 22, 2013

Our digital world is transforming the way we learn, and today's teachers are tasked with the challenging job of sifting through the deluge of educational technologies and creating a meaningful learning experience for students.

Read More
Amanda PaquetteJanuary 10, 2013

While the schools in our district are not far apart in terms of distance, it is often difficult for them to make connections with each other even though we have the best intentions and we all realize the potential for increased engagement when we do facilitate these experiences. As part of an increased emphasis on technology integration in our district, as well as our mixed device program, we've started using some tools that we have in common to facilitate these connections between classrooms throughout the district.

Read More
Mary Beth HertzJanuary 9, 2013

I have spent six of my almost nine years of teaching in a computer lab. Over that time, my feelings about computer labs have fluctuated. It may seem silly for me to be in opposition to my own job, but there are times that teaching in a lab can be frustrating and isolating. On the other hand, there are times when I realized that there is no other place that my students would be learning how to program, edit videos, create music or format text documents.

Read More
Lori DayJanuary 3, 2013

At the highest performing urban school in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, the mantra when it comes to education is "children always come first. " And it isn't easy.

Like most public charter schools, the Paul Cuffee School strives to provide the same excellence in educational technology as nearby public schools, but because resources must primarily be allocated to paying salaries and leasing school buildings, extra money for technology is scarce.

Read More
Keith FerrellDecember 12, 2012

Here's a collection of holiday and winter sites for kids and teachers that should help make your last week of school festive and productive, and give kids some fun places to go on those cold, wintry days.

Read More
Ben JohnsonDecember 10, 2012

The iPad made a transformation in John's learning demeanor. Where once his attitude blared, "I dare you to teach me!" now it screams, " Teach me more!" Wouldn't that be a great story to be able to tell? It would be solid proof that technology transforms learning and teaching (this is the motto of our school this year). Unfortunately, these types of examples are rare. What we have typically seen up to now with the computer revolution, is a temporary interest piqued by an engaging program or computer game, but then followed by a general disinterest.

Read More
Mary Beth HertzDecember 7, 2012

This December 9-15 has been declared national Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek). The dates coincide with the birthday of renowned Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer science. This initiative is a collaborative effort between members of Congress and Computing in the Core, a coalition of various organizations and corporations dedicated to bringing computer science education to the forefront. There are a number of events being held across the country to celebrate computer science education. These events are self-organizing, and there is a toolkit available to help you plan your participation.

Read More
see more see less