Technology Integration Resources

ACTIVITIES

These activities introduce the participants to numerous educational Web sites. They promote Internet use with all grade levels. They are not intended to promote any particular Web site; rather, they attempt to introduce ideas about how to integrate technology into the classroom.

1. Explore and Discuss

Ask participants to form groups of two or three. Have them visit at least three of the following Web sites. Tell the participants to reflect on the following questions as they explore the individual sites.

• Do you think these sites would engage your students? Why?
• Which site(s) could you use with your students? How?
• Did these sites make you want to find more like them? Why?

The Great Satellite Search [9]
Student learns about satellites, technology, and space exploration.

The Glitter Gazette [10]
Students meet characters from the days of the California Gold Rush, are given tasks to perform, and learn what it was like to be a California 49er of the Gold Rush Era.

The Atom's Family [11]
Using characters from classic horror films such as "The Mummy" to welcome the student, this site teaches the principles of atoms and matter, conservation and energy transfer, properties of light, etc.

The Solar System [12]
Students learn about the solar system. The site has two designs: one for primary grades and one for middle school.

Shrinking a Landfill [13]
Students try their hand at shrinking the size of a landfill by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Art Tales: Telling Stories with Wildlife Art [14]
Students create stories based on images portrayed in wildlife art from the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Aboard the Underground Railroad [15]
Students find maps, history and a timeline of the Underground Railroad.

Fact Monster [16]
This site is an atlas, almanac, dictionary, and encyclopedia for kids.

2. Reflect

Ask participants to reflect upon what they saw and discussed. Have the participants journal their reflections. Ask for volunteers to share their thoughts.

WEB QUESTS

Some participants may not be familiar with Web Quests. However, for the following activities no prior knowledge is needed. Refer participants who would like to learn more about Web quests to The Web Quest Page [17].

1. Explore and Discuss

Ask participants to form groups of two or three. Have them visit two of the following Web Quests. Ask the groups to examine and discuss each quest. Have participants reflect on the questions as they explore the individual sites.

• Which site(s) could you use with your students? How?
• List additional activities you could incorporate.
• Which site(s) would you recommend to a colleague? Why?
• Did these sites make you want to create your own Web quest?

• Theme Web Quests For K-2 [18]
• Quest for Respect with the Grouchy Ladybug [19]
• Planetary Postcard -- Grade 3 [20]
• Energy Quest -- Grades 6 and up [21]
• Cavern World -- Grades 9-12 [22]
• Atlantis Quest -- Grades 9-12 [23]

2. Discuss and Record

Have the individual participants choose a Web quest. Ask them: "Choose one of the Web sites you explored. What made this quest the quest you would use with your students? How would you prepare your students before you send them to this site?"

• Have the individuals record their ideas.
• Have the individuals share with the large group.
• Have the group speculate on the additional activities that might be generated from the Web quests.
• Have the group discuss how different grade levels could use the sites.

3. Reflect

Ask participants to reflect upon what they saw and discussed. Have the participants journal their reflections. Ask volunteers to share their thoughts.

SUGGESTED READINGS

GLEF Articles and Videos:

• "A Change in Attitude [24]" and accompanying video segment Harrison Central High School [25] by Diane Curtis  
• "A Computer for Every Lap [26]" by Diane Curtis
• "A 'Fantastic Super' Use of Technology [27]" and accompanying video segment Mary Scroggs Elementary School [28] by Diane Curtis  
• "A Remarkable Transformation [29]" and accompanying video segment Union City Public Schools [30] by Diane Curtis  
• "A Sampler of International Web Projects [31]" by GLEF Staff
• "A Seamless Integration of Technology [32]" and accompanying video segment Effective Technology [33] by Peggy Bryan  
• "Broadband, Big Screen! Enlivening English Language Learning in Southeast Los Angeles [34]" by Bob Moore
• "Collaborating to Create Media-Savvy Young People [35]" by Sara Armstrong, Milton Chen, and Roberta Furger
• "Educational Technology the Focus of Four New Reports [36]" by GLEF Staff
• "Everyone Can Learn [37]" by GLEF Staff
• "From Brain-Based Research to Powerful Learning [38]" and accompanying video segment Key Largo [39] by Roberta Furger  
• "Rural Washington Students Connect With The World [40]" by Sara Armstrong
• "The New P.E. Curriculum [41]" by Roberta Furger
• "The World at Your Fingertips [42]" by Jan Hawkins
• "Turning the Tables -- Students Teach Teachers [43]" and accompanying video segment Generation www.Y [44] by Sara Armstrong  
• Expert Interviews on Technology Integration [45]  

Back to top [8]

External Links:

• Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators [46]
• Tech4Learning Clay Animation Project Ideas [47]
• Cyberbee Curriculum Ideas [48]
• Teachers' First Content Matrix [49]
• ISTE Curriculum Integration Lessons [50]
• Apple Learning Interchange [51]
• Intel Education Initiative [52]
• Marco Polo [53]
• Blue Web'N [54]

Recommended Texts:

• Edutopia: Success Stories for Learning in the Digital Age [55]
• The George Lucas Educational Foundation
• Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Company
• Copyright © 2002
• ISBN: 0-7879-6082-9

• Teaching and Learning with Technology
• Judy Lever-Duffy, Jean B. McDonald, Al P. Mizell
• Allyn and Bacon
• Copyright © 2003
• ISBN:0-321-05405

• Making Literacy Magic Happen -- The Best of Learning & Leading with Technology on Language Arts
• Mark Gura and Rose Reissman, Editors
• ISTE
• Copyright © 2001

• Concept-Mapping Companion, Second Edition
• Leslie A. Ditson Rohn Kessler and Lynne Anderson-Inman
• ISTE
• Copyright © 2001
• ISBN 1-56484-167-7

• But How Do I Use HyperStudio With Kids? Designing and Doing Curriculum-Based Projects
• Michael Muir
• ISTE
• Copyright © 1997
• ISBN 1-56484-116-2

• Structured Writing and Using Inspiration Software to Teach Paragraph Development
• Kathleen McMurdo and Charles Haynes
• ISTE
• Copyright © 2001
• ISBN 1-56484-171-5