Sunday, April 19, 2009

Integration and Engagement Using Technology

Many of today’s schools are zapped for finances with rising costs of fuel, salaries, supplies and the need for more building space due to an increase in population. With this in mind, teachers sometimes have to be inventive with supplies on hand. When administrators see the initial drive and intuition the teacher has, finances for necessities may appear. When we use our surroundings to teach basic skills, more in-depth learning can be rooted and grow for productivity.
Using the free technological gadgets and applications can help catch inquisitive minds, thus broadening skills as students and adults are empowered by new skills. Blogging can merely make our world smaller by being able to communicate with others thousands or just a few miles away. Blogging, being free is one of the keys to breaking barriers of interaction between others. We are able to share cultural similarities and differences. Oh, what a tasty way, Del.i.cious is allowed to bring a glut of information into our world. I could play and surf with these tools and totally lose track of time if allowed.
Every school year brings a new crop of students with a variety of needs. Some are severely lacking in critical thinking, possibly due to home/personal situations. While every child can learn, some learn faster than others and critical thinking seems to reach further for those with more quality experiences. We take these students where they are and attempt to integrate new skills in preparation for the future. Better communication is a key element, by way of talking one to another, in written form, or using effective technological skills.
Being very right-brained, great effort will move this mountain(me) to new heights and level the stumbling blocks for better traveling on the world wide web and using proper tools in excavation of the mines and crevices loaded with untapped energy.

2 comments:

  1. I believe it was Cinda who also noted the divide that still exists in what is referred to as the digital divide. Not all schools, even within the state of Texas, have access to similar educational technologies. So I believe you're on target when you note to begin using the free technologies available and, by your example, begin to make leadership note the value of integrating technology into instruction. You can be a change agent for your school...even if that means starting with something basic...be successful in its basic use in that others are watching. Then add technologies and skills to your personal eToolbox. :-)

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  2. "Every school year brings a new crop of students with a variety of needs."

    Great point Danny!! Teachers have to constantly adjust their methods because every year does bring different types of students. What worked the year before, may be a bit fast or complicated this time around. It's always good to have an alternative plan, or a different approach to a certain area of your lesson.

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