Implementing PowerPoint in the classroom allows students to interact with lessons and enrichment activities. PowerPoint helps students who are visual learners. Teachers can give students questions that allow them to analyze and synthesize the PowerPoint content. PowerPoint also allows students another way to prepare projects and present their work. I use PowerPoint to introduce new material to students. For example, if I were teaching a unit on Native Americans, I would show a slide show to the students that I created. While the slide show is going on, I would ask students for their opinions and comments. I have included a link for a PowerPoint slide show on Native Americans that I created.
Native American PowerPoint
What are other ways that educators can use technology in the classroom to enhance learning?
In the Philippines, a grant has been given out by the government that is designed to use technology to enhance education. The goal is to teach teachers how to use technology in their lessons and activities.
The project works two ways.
1. Teachers are trained on using the new technologies.
2. Teachers use the new technologies to develop the students’ higher order thinking skills and enhance learning.
I like their ideas about training teachers on using the new technologies in the classroom. No one wants to be stuck in the dark ages. Photocopies were once made using carbon paper. Now every school has photocopy machines, as well as printers to reproduce copies of information. Limited library time or access to materials once hindered teaching. Now most schools have high speed Internet access.
The article points out some new ways that technology has changed teaching. Distance learning can be done by utilizing chat sessions or by the use of video conferencing. The possibilities are endless. Think of all the ways technology has changed the education system. On-line classes allow students to connect asynchronously through the use of message boards and email. Remember the days when you actually had to go to class.
The article shows the importance of technology in Education. The Philippines government is looking to improve their educational system through the use of technology.
GPS is a technology that allows the user to find locations, or to track lost vehicles. It is also used to keep track of children by their parents. GPS locators can be found in cell phones. There are other uses for GPS technology. In California, GPS technology is used to monitor students’ locations. Using a wristwatch sized GPS transmitter, teachers or administrators use this technology to manage students on trips and sporting events. In some schools, GPS badges are being used for attendance purposes.
Is big brother going to far, or is GPS technology a benefit to the educational system?
GPS Article
Education is expensive in America. A large portion of the property tax homeowners pay goes to local school taxes. Research done by the Buffalo Sun Times shows that property taxes have increased at 3 times the inflation rate since 2000. However, statistics have shown that schools that spend more money on each student have a higher graduation success rate. The more invested in each student the greater the return. Many school districts in New York complain that they are not getting enough funding for improvemets in technology. Although technology budgets for schools are low compared to other spending areas, investment in technology is necessary for students to keep up with the changing world.
Is there a way to improve our schools with out raising property taxes?
Buffalo News Article
