Daily Technology Integration in the Classroom

There are many different forms of technology. Luckily, most of them can play a role in the classroom.

Students should use technology on a daily basis. This will help them become comfortable with technology. This technology will enhance their learning. Teachers should have a clear time on when students will be using technology. I would have a designated time where students would work with technology. Students can go on laptops to go on Google apps and play educational games. However, students should still learn without technology. For example, I could have a student read from the book instead of reading an online version. This was students will not feel like they are constantly on technology. Teachers should also make sure kids stay on task if their students are on technology frequently. 

Google Apps for Education in the Classroom

Google apps can be convenient in the classroom. One key feature is that one can access the apps from multiple devices. This gives students and teachers the ability to complete work at home and at school. The work automatically saves too. Google apps also makes collaboration easy. Students can easily share files with other students and the teacher. I think that the apps are appropriate for all ages. I use google apps regularly to complete assignments in college and I have also seen third graders use the apps to create slide presentations. One con is that some students are not very familiar with the Google apps. However, teachers can quickly change that and helps students learn how to use Google apps effectively. In the future, I would have students create presentations and write papers with Google apps. I like this form of sharing work the best. I would try to use Google apps on a daily basis by creating collaborative projects, like having students create a presentation in groups.

IPads in the Classroom

Ipads are a convenient tool that should be used by all schools. I come from a high school district that did offer iPads to its students and have a positive attitude towards them.

IPads have multiple uses. There are educational apps and websites that teachers can use in the classroom. IPads are lightweight so it's a great alternative to having students carry textbooks around. Students can also take notes for classes. There are apps that let students keep notes for separate classes. Taking notes on an iPad is faster and more organized. IPads also make access to online tools a lot easier for students. If teachers need technology, they can have the students go on the iPads rather than going to a computer lab. There are many more uses for iPads, but there are also some cons. Students can become easily distracted on the iPads. Students can download games and go on different sites during classroom time. Also, students might have mechanical issues with the technology. Students can regularly forget to charge the devices. IPads are also expensive. Some schools may not be able to afford them for all the students or may not be able to afford them at all. I think believe more iPads shouls be integrated in classrooms. In the future, I would love to have iPads in my classroom. I would use them as a form of communication with my students. I would also have projects and activities on the iPad so students can become familiar with the technology.

Skyping in the Classroom

Skype is one tool that can be very useful in the classroom. The best quality is that it is convenient. It easy to use and makes interaction much more simple. I have seen Skype used in different occasions. In my speech class, we had one students who could not make it to watch the speech presentations. I used Skype on my phone so that she could watch the speeches from her home. Our professor liked the idea and it turned out well. On another occasion, my math teacher had run out of time in class to explain a topic. She assigned the homework, but also offered to Skype students after school if they anymore questions. Using Skype to explain a topic to a student is much more efficient than sending e-mails. In the future, I would use Skype similarly. I also like the idea of using Skype to have a professional talk to the class. However, I would not use Skype too regularly. Students should also have experience that is not just online. Students might become bored or disengaged. Teachers also have to make sure they have a strong Internet connection because sometimes Skype lags.

Social Media in the Classroom

There are many opportunities to use social media in the classroom. Social media is currently very popular and well accepted by students.

There are many choices in social media. Most social media is also free and easy to use. In my personal experience, using social media had satisfying results. I have used twitter in the classroom before. My class enjoyed using twitter. We had "professional accounts" and used hashtags to talks about topics the teacher assigned. We also were able to contact people who had more knowledge on the topics were covering. Our teacher was also able to talk to us more easily outside of the classroom. This is also a clever way for educators to help students how to act on social media. It is a great way to keep students connected, but some parents might not like this. Some parents may not permit their students to be on social media. Teachers need to inform and explain the use of social to parents if they plan to use it. Some students may not know how to behave or post something inappropriate on social media. Teachers should be ready to deal with this issue.

In the future, I will actively use social media in the classroom. I like the idea of having a classroom twitter or Instagram. I think it is a fun way to keep parents updated and it makes it easy to look back on past classroom activities.