Technology in the Classroom

Technology offers so many effective resources and programs that teachers can integrate into their curricula. Inspiration offers great graphic organizing skills, making it possible for students to brainstorm science projects, written assignments, etc, so that their final project can be well-developed. It is easy to use; lots of teaching and brainstorming time isn't lost by having to teach the students a difficult program. I think a program like photostory could also make different projects more fun and interesting. I have a feeling (as a future elementary school teacher) that my students' age groups would love recording their own narration to such a visually stimulating project. Podcasts could be tons of fun, as well. A teacher could have his or her own podcast providing notes on certain topics, or assignments (etc), or the students could even do a news report, mock interview, or presentation, and the class could have unlimited access to it. I think two essential programs to present-day teachers are Microsoft Expression Web and blogs. I feel that Expression Web helps the owner of the webpage add awesome personal touches while not being hard to understand or input unto the actual website. I think that blogs add ample opportunities to keep in touch with students and parents concerning assignments, announcements, test days, questions/tutoring - it is an incredible contact tool that I plan on keeping up with in my classroom 100%.