Introduction 

Welcome Teachers!  As you know, technology is ever changing and increasingly playing a major role in education.  As educational technology advances, it is actually becoming easier to work with.  Through this website, I hope to show you some wonderful and powerful tools that can be used to incorporate technology into your classroom.  

Guiding Principles

The following are the principles upon which this website is created:

1. Every tool presented on this site is user friendly.  The only skill you need is the ability to follow directions and online tutorials.

2. Educational technology is not just using technology to deliver instruction.  Students must learn to use the technology to enhance their learning.

3. PowerPoint is not the only tool you can use.

4. Technology should only be used to improve student learning

5. Ethical use of technology starts with the teacher as the guide and mode.  Communicating expectations with students and parents is key.

Website Overview 

On the left, you will see a navigation menu.  Each link will take you to a page that will give you an explanation of the tool and how it can be incorporated into your class, as well as links to resources and examples.  The tools I have chosen are:

Blogs - an online space to publish information so others can read and comment.  A great tool for creating a learning network and a place for students to showcase work.

Digital Cameras - most students have access to these at home or on phones and can be used for engaging activities.

Google - Not just a search engine anymore.  Google has free email, online software, maps, collaborative tools and web hosting that is easy to use.

Podcasts - Audio and video posts that can be used in many creative ways.  Great for EL students.  You don't need an iPod.

Presentations - We know these as PowerPoints, but many people misuse the tool.  There are free alternatives to teachers and  students who don't feel like paying hundreds for Microsoft software.

Voice Threads - My new favorite tool.  There is so much you can do to create interactive lessons.

WebQuests - Project-based learning projects that use the internet as a research tool to solve a problem.

Wikis - Web pages that anyone can edit.  When used properly, they are a great collaboration tool superior to email.

Get Started

The first thing you want to do is go to Google and create a gmail account.  It is free and you will be able to use it for many other tools.  To make it easier to collaborate, set up your gmail name as first.last@gmail.com or last.first@gmail.com if the first option in not available.