Integrating Technology Into the Classroom Essay -- Educational Technol

Part 1: Identifying a Technology for Classroom Use This week's task is to identify a technology for classroom use that will improve students learning, make curriculum more meaningful and provide opportunities for my students to actively engage with technology in a meaningful way. My classroom has a Smart Board that was installed in the spring of 2011. It is wonderful for displaying information, taking notes, showing videos and photos that relate to the curriculum. However, students have a more limited interaction with it as a direct learning tool. I would have to admit that it is more a teacher centered tool than it is a student centered use of technology. After researching the Smart Board's available resources and tools, I found the technology that I would like to incorporate in my classroom. SMART Responseâ„ ¢ interactive response system PE. The SMART Responseâ„ ¢ interactive response system PE allows students to actively participate in activities as individuals and as a part of a group. Students have the ability to answer questions, challenges or play games that allow them to see the info displayed on the Smart Board. Students then answer using their individual controller. Answers can vary from multiple choice style (press the correct letter) to a short response in which students "text" their answer. Their choice is recorded by the Smart Board and can be used by both teacher and instructor for a variety of purposes. The information on the system can be found on the company website through the following link: http://www.smartboard.ie/product-smart-response-PE.php?PHPSESSID=e24b6ef32bf1a39fe6b5b102762128dc The use of the SMART Responseâ„ ¢ interactive response system PE will serve to increase student interaction with ... ...uote of $1765 for each set of the 32 Pack SMART Response with text and wireless receiver. This amounts to just over $55 per student wireless remote. For perspective These clickers cost almost half of the TI graphing calculators that we use for many of our math courses. COTG also provides free unlimited training and professional development for teachers in the district to learn how to use this technology and create activities to align the technology with the curriculum. Works Cited Caine, T. (1998), Getting the most out of technology in the classroom. The Exceptional Parent, 28(11), 44-46. De Lay, A.,M. (2010). Technology as a differentiated instruction tool. The Agricultural Education Magazine, 83(3), 15-17. Knobloch, N. A. (2005). Reap the benefits of games and simulations in the classroom. The Agricultural Education Magazine, 78(2), 21-23.