Summary


 * Summary and Rationale: **

We have developed a technology rich day for our students to experience, which has been themed around the Olympics. As you have seen, each content area has included a lesson plan that exhibits many different types of technology that our students will be engaging with. Although our students may begin in the computer lab, or on classroom computers, they will move to using different technologies throughout each lesson that will further enhance their learning. The variety of technologies that were integrated into our lessons include computers, printers, Internet, Web Quests, graph makers, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail, smart-boards with LCD projectors, overheads with a screen, class sets of digital cameras, photo-editing software, personal usage CD players for books on tape, video cameras and microphones, photo printers and photo paper, heart-rate monitors, virtual classrooms (Telepresence), and MP3 players.

Throughout the course of this project, we have demonstrated that technology goes hand-in-hand with 21st century skills. A 21st century classroom includes project-based learning or other applied work where students must use critical thinking, problem solving skills as well as be able to communicate and work together as a group using their creativity to help them come up with original ideals. As educators, we continually collaborated our ideas with one another throughout this project on the different ways we could incorporate technology into our varying lesson plans. We assured students had choices and were able to complete the tasks either independently, or by scaffolding.

Technology is found in almost all jobs in today’s work world. Students will most likely be working at a job that utilizes data organizers such as Excel, presentation software and CAD programs. Some jobs may require workers to analyze and interpret graphs. Jobs may also require workers to learn to use new technology to keep up with the ever growing and changing world of technology. As educators it is our jobs to familiarize students with technology and make them fluent with the terminology and application of the technology.

We believe that in order to successful possess 21st century skills, one must integrate technology into his/her daily life. In the classroom, teachers need to create meaningful learning environments that are engaging, constructive, goal oriented, authentic, and collaborative.