Blog Post 13

Driving Question: How will you keep students engaged using technology in your classroom?
1. State the subject you are planning to teach, and provide five examples of activities that you could do that relates to the subject you are teaching and keeps students engaged.

I am planning on teaching English at a high school level. The five ways I plan on keeping my students engaged using technology includes interactive smart board presentations, webquests, using interactive literature using iPads, enable students to use various programs for projects, and blogs.

1. Interactive Smart Board Presentations
As we learned in project 12b, smartboards have certain programs that allow students to move words, reveal answers, and other ways to learn using programs like that. In my classroom, I would use this especially when introducing students to different grammar concepts. For instance, if I was introducing my students to different sentence structures, I would use the smart board to have different sentences on the slide and the name of those types of structures in a word bank. To get the students engaged, I would ask for a volunteer to come up and drag the correct label to the matching sentence structure. This would allow students to be active in their learning and make it a group effort since other students would label the other sentences.
2. Web quests
A web quest is a research program that lets students explore certain topics or concepts by asking questions or requiring the students to complete tasks. The end result can lead to a one page document or multi pages. I would probably use this tool when discussing themes in a book. Allowing students to explore something will let have a deeper understanding of the topic and let them take their learning into their own hands. Basically, the students become responsible for what their own education. Another example of a web quest can be found at www.glencoe.com.
3. Interactive Books on iPads
Using iPads while reading will allow students to highlight, look up words, and take notes all while using a tool they are familiar with. I think this will be useful because the students won't have to wait for the teacher to go over something they don't understand. They will be able to simply open up a window on the iPad and search it themselves. Also, they will be able to look up words they didn't know before.
4. Projects
Using projects that require technology beyond the typical research and presentation can really help engage students in the lesson. For example, students could remake a scene from a book using iMovie, but instead of a straight rehashing of the book, students can add their own elements to the story. They can do a scene from Hamlet and change the setting, time, or genders of the characters. Students would be able to explore different programs and have a clearer understanding of the characters in the story.
5. Blogs
I think blogs can be really helpful in writing instruction and reflecting on the text being read in class. Teachers can manage students' writing abilities and understanding of the text. Also, students will be able to explore, through writing, their own thoughts on the topics in class and what they learn. Giving students an outlet to express themselves can result in a clearer understanding and a deeper interest in the class.


Source:www.teachthought.com