Technology in the Classroom!

1. Technology in the Classroom! Amanda Whittemore Stephanie buehler

2. Google.com Google is a great website to use in or outside of the classroom It is great for researching many different topics. One wonderful activity to use Google for is called Google Docs. This is when you create a document online, and many people can work on it at once. That way students working on a project together can do it together without meeting in person. I would say children can start using it in 5th grade. Google Docs is easy to learn and every person, no matter what their background can use it!

3. Activity using Google Grade: Elementary Subject: Language Arts Students will work together using Google Docs to create a poem together. Rationale: Students will learn how to write a poem using imagery. Students can work together using Google Docs to create their own poem.

4. Bookshare.org Bookshare.com is a great website to find accessible books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities You can use this in the classroom to find free books to download and read to your students with disabilities. It can be used as early as kindergarten. “People with disabilities deserve the same ease of access to books and periodicals that people without disabilities enjoy.” Anyone can use it!

5. Activity using Bookshare Grade: Elementary Subject: Language Arts Rationale: Students with disabilities will learn how to read using the books from bookshare.org. Students with vision disabilities will be able to learn how to use books with brail or larger print.

6. Wikispaces.com Wikispaces allows users to create a website where they can post information in a variety of formats. It also includes a discussion board to allow members to communicate. This is a great website to connect the classroom and the home for students. Parents can check it for upcoming activities, students can check it for homework assignments or extra resources posted by the teacher. It can also be a way for students to communicate outside of the classroom by using the discussion board. Wikispaces could probably be used starting in the second grade and up.

7. Activity using Wikispaces Grade: Middle School Subject: Social Science Rationale: Students will learn about various topics regarding American History, and create their own wiki spaces with their groups about their topic. They will research their topic and post information on their wiki for their classmates to read and learn.

8. Xtranormal.com Xtranormal is a place to create and watch animated videos. You write the script, choose the setting, and select the characters’ actions and expressions. You can even add music! This would be a great resource to create videos to show in class as part of a lesson or as an alternative assessment option for students. Students could start using this in 4th grade, with assistance. Independently, students could start using it in middle school.

9. Activity using Xtranormal Grade: Elementary Subject: Science Students will make a video about the solar system. Rationale: Students will learn about the different planets in the solar system. By making a video students will learn how to work together, and use technology.