iEARN

I had never heard of iEARN until I came across the iEARN website and realized what a wonderful organization it was.  iEARN stands for International Education and Resource Network.  This is a network of more than 130 countries and over 30,000 schools around the world that work collaboratively on different school projects.  Through the internet and other computer based communication programs, these schools are able to choose from a multitude of educational projects and then connect with other classrooms around the world that are working on the same project to compare and communicate with each other about their progress and experiences.  iEARN is a lot like service learning projects in that each project is a process of teaching, learning, communicating, and reflecting and it aims to improve the quality of life on the planet.  This organization has really achieved the goal of bringing technology into the classroom by getting students involved with computer based programs to communicate back and forth with one another.  I will definitely be looking more into iEARN and I would really like to use this in my own classroom someday.

Image from flickr - iEARN Poster by: Bucket2010 titled:

Video from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttbc09keq9s

Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards (IWB) are becoming more and more popular in school classrooms.  The IWB is a combination of a computer and a whiteboard that can be used for images, audio, video, and interactive learning.  These IWB are a great way to incorporate 21st century technology skills into learning since they can be used for presentations, lessons, note taking, educational software programs, diagrams, and many other things that can be found on a computer.  Students and teachers are able to see everything on these boards that they could see on a computer screen.  Just like a whiteboard, the students and the teacher can use a special pen-like tool to draw and write on the screen.  This pen-like tool is also just like the mouse of a computer, it is used to click, drag, and point on the screen.  Whether teachers are presenting a lesson to students on the IWB or if the students are coming up to the IWB to write or draw something, the interactive whiteboards allow students to really become involved in their learning through technology.


Image from: flickr - Classroom Promeathean Board by: kylejsmith

Podcasting

Podcasting is a mix between the iPod and broadcasting, hence it's called "podcasting".  This a great form of collaboration that allows students to use 21st century technology and communication skills to express what they are learning in the classroom.  Although podcasting may seem technology heavy, there really aren't too many devices needed in order to allow your students to podcast.  The basic things a classroom needs to start the process include a computer, a microphone, the internet, and a audio-mixing software.  Podcasting is a great way to help students see a purpose in their learning because they are getting to create something that they can share with others and they are expressing what they are learning in school while doing so.  Podcast's can help students grow in many subject areas.  It helps them improve their oral communication skills, it can help them learn how collaborate with their classmates, and they are also learning about the subject they are creating their podcast about.  Overall, podcasting is a wonderful way to incorporate technology into the classroom and to get students thinking creatively about what they are learning.

For more information on podcasting, visit poducateme

First image from flickr - Ben and his students Podcasting by stevewhitaker
Video from: http://bobsprankle.com/podcasts/0506/rm208vodcast.mov

Apple iPad

Apple iPad

Apple's iPad is growing in popularity and is becoming a necessity for students to have at some schools.  The iPad is mobile computer that is used for audio-visual media.  It can be used to surf the web, listen to music, watch movies, play games, and use apps.  Due to it size, weight, and capabilities, it is classified between a smart phone and a lap top computer.  Since it is so small and light, it is also very easy to take the iPad anywhere you go.  Along with everything else Apple makes, the iPad is very user friendly.  Because the iPad is easy use, it's wide range of capabilities, and that it really isn't too costly, many schools are asking their students to purchase iPads to have in the classroom.  In the classroom, the iPad can be used for research, interactive lessons, electronic books, classroom activities, and anything else the teacher wants to use them for. Below is a link about one school that has decided to go forth with having their students purchase iPads for classroom use.
iPad No Longer Optional

Image from Wikimedia Commons File: IPad-02.jpg http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IPad-02.jpg#filelinks

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