Why Technology in Education?
Technology is becoming a daily part of our lives, from the way we communicate to the way we interact with the world. Today's students do not know a world without technology, and as their educators, we need to integrate it into our curriculum. An article I found online from Edutopia (The George Lucas Educational Foundation) put it best. "Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals."
Even though technology is very powerful, it does not replace the need for and impact of our teachers. I love the books Learning First, Technology Second by Liz Kolb for the International Society for Technology in Education and The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros, both of which touch on the importance of our teachers and great pedagogy first.
"Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of a great teacher can be transformational." ~George Couros
Web 2.0 Tools Organized
Technology is such a passion of mine that I used to spend hours finding the perfect tool to compliment my lessons. However, I understand that not everyone has that desire (or that kind of time). My hope is that you can benefit from my enthusiasm with technology, and that my findings will help you foster your students' education.
I know technology can be overwhelming, so I have tried to categorize the enormous amount of amazing Web 2.0 tools that I have found as best as possible. While some tools can achieve multiple objectives, I tried to list them in the most appropriate category. Additionally, I created a "Miscellaneous" category for tools that offer multiple features (writing, video, editing, etc), as opposed to listing them multiple times. I have also provided a brief overview of each tool, as well as a cost scale and ease of use scale to guide you in your technology integration. As there are hundreds of tools available, I have tried to include the best of the best; however, if you have a tool/site that you would like to see added, please send me the information, and I will look into adding it to the site.
Finally, you do not have to be an expert on the tools you use. As long as you are familiar with it (I typically spend about 30 minutes to walk through any tool just to make sure it is kid appropriate and easy to use), give it to your students and let them go! There have been many sites I have utilized in a lesson that I have only been on for a limited time - I do some of my best learning right along with my students. You do not need to teach them the sites/tools - trust me when I say they will get it or a peer will get it and show them. As questions arise, have the kids explore the answers or do it with them. There is no shame in saying, "I am not really sure, but let's figure it out together!"
I know technology can be overwhelming, so I have tried to categorize the enormous amount of amazing Web 2.0 tools that I have found as best as possible. While some tools can achieve multiple objectives, I tried to list them in the most appropriate category. Additionally, I created a "Miscellaneous" category for tools that offer multiple features (writing, video, editing, etc), as opposed to listing them multiple times. I have also provided a brief overview of each tool, as well as a cost scale and ease of use scale to guide you in your technology integration. As there are hundreds of tools available, I have tried to include the best of the best; however, if you have a tool/site that you would like to see added, please send me the information, and I will look into adding it to the site.
Finally, you do not have to be an expert on the tools you use. As long as you are familiar with it (I typically spend about 30 minutes to walk through any tool just to make sure it is kid appropriate and easy to use), give it to your students and let them go! There have been many sites I have utilized in a lesson that I have only been on for a limited time - I do some of my best learning right along with my students. You do not need to teach them the sites/tools - trust me when I say they will get it or a peer will get it and show them. As questions arise, have the kids explore the answers or do it with them. There is no shame in saying, "I am not really sure, but let's figure it out together!"