motivating+engagement+through+technology

Our students are digital natives whose lives have been immersed in technological evolution since birth. As educators it is essential that we prepare our students for a future of technological unknowns. In order to do so, we must use technology to engage our students in activities that will allow them to relate material and content studied to real life situations. Using technology encourage critical thinking skill development, group collaboration, and understanding of interdisciplinary connections.

Voicethread

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This is a short video showing how voicethread is used in an elementary situation. This program is free and could be used in so many different classroom settings for many different projects. []

Create a wiki http://www.wikispaces.com Do you want to complete a group project using technology check out google docs, a unique way for students to collaborate on assignments at school and from home.

Podcasting is a wonderful resource for the administrator, teacher, and student. Students can access the information discussed in class at anytime from anyplace where internet access is available. This form of technology would be very beneficial for a student who is home sick; this student can watch the lesson from the day missed so that she is caught up when she returns. Students who need constant reinforcement of material because it takes more time for them to grasp the concept can review the content delivered from the day before. they can re-watch the lesson before beginning their homework. Or if a student has been kicked out of school for several days he or she would have access to the material discussed in class. This student would not be so far behind when he or she returns.

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 * Communication tools** Enrich your project by allowing students to skype with a similar class from another school district, state, or even country through the use of skype.