Apply & Discover 3.2

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Apply & Discover 3.1

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Apply and Discover 2.2

     Technology in the classroom can enhance classroom experiences and enhance instruction.  In our daily lives, we constantly are surrounded and supported by technology.  We have all grown accustomed to using and relying on technology.  As an educator, it is intuitive to integrate technology into the classroom in order to motive students and support instructional practices.
     Students learn best through instructional practices that are fun and challenging.  For example, activities increase student comprehension and enhance the learning process.  Technology supports active engagement, project based work, and cooperative learning.  Instructional software or games can provided active engagement that students enjoy.  For example, computer software like Study Island, can actively engage students in mathematics problems with video games involving math. Such a tool can increase motivation and self-esteem with math.  
     Technology strengthens group and project based work.  On-line research can be collaborative.  Students are developing technical skills and collaborating with their peers.  Students can share information readily, and then develop a group presentation or report with various forms of technology, like Powerpoint, Google doc, videos, Photo story.  

     Technology provides frequent interaction and feedback.   Computer presentations can be animated to solicit student responses or problem solving.   Clicker systems like iClicker or even cell phones can be used with classroom response system  software to answer questions posed by their teacher.  This gives the teacher instant feedback.

     Technology can also connect students with real world experts.  Educational videos & podcasts are accessible formats to introduce students to real world situations and real world experts in the field.  Vodcasts from websites like Khan Academy, Learning 4 Mastery and Bozeman Science are all forms of technology that can support struggling students and give them the extra video of content.  Students can pause and re-watch the videos as much as they need to.   The students are now in control of the rate in which the content is taught.

     Technology in the classroom actively engages students are creates a leaner-centered classroom.  Technology also enables teachers to teach in different ways.  With differentiation, more students can be reached.  Each student is unique and may learn through different means.  Using a variety of technology applications during instruction will create many different sensory experiences; therefore, a larger audience can be reached.  For diverse learners, teachers will need technology and should promote its use.