Workshop Activities for Technology Integration

Now that you've established the basics of technology integration, you're ready to explore. On this page, you will find a wide range of activities that will get workshop participants thinking and talking about the best ways to integrate technology into everyday lessons.

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

Ask participants to form groups of two or three. Have them visit at least three of the following websites. 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

  Student learns about satellites, technology, and space exploration.

• The Atom's Family

  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

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

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

• Telling Stories with Wildlife Art

  Several lessons for use in conjunction with the National Museum of Wildlife Art's online collections.

• Aboard the Underground Railroad

  Students find maps, history and a timeline of the Underground Railroad.

• Fact Monster

  This site is an atlas, almanac, dictionary, and encyclopedia for kids.

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

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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.

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
• Quest for Respect with the Grouchy Ladybug
• Planetary Postcard -- Grade 3
• Explore More News -- Grades 6 and up
• Mark Twain's McDougal's Cave -- Grade 7
• Atlantis Quest -- Grades 9-12

Have the individual participants choose a web quest. Ask them: "Choose one of the websites 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.

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

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Continue to the next section of the guide, Resources for Technology Integration.