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Here are a few reasons why teachers don't put technology into their classroom.

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Here are a few reasons why teachers don't put technology into their classroom.

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These are very good reason as to why she does not put technology into the classroom. However there are a lot of good reasons as to why you should.

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While reflecting on my time spent in the classroom, I'm sometimes embarrassed to admit that I rarely used technology to differentiate learning for my students. During my first two years with Teach for America, I was exposed to a wealth of community knowledge, plenty of professional development opportunities, and variety of pedagogical perspectives. And though I was surrounded by innovative educators eager to share their knowledge, I rarely used technology to differentiate learning for my students. By sharing my experiences now, I hope to encourage other tech-averse educators to reexamine their mindset.

When I was teaching, my use of technology in the classroom was limited to Smartboard and WiFi access. I regret that I did not put technology into the hands of my students as often as I used it to illustrate my lessons. While playing funny videos in class helped me to engage my students, I now know that the full benefits of classroom technology can only really be seen once devices are in the hands of students. Students need hands-on experience to learn how to type with speed and accuracy, conduct and synthesize online research, and collaborate with people on the other side of the world.

Even in the 21st century, some schools still lack access to reliable internet, effective devices, and educational software. Sure, most kids may be adept at playing games on their smartphone and watching YouTube videos, but students who do not know how to navigate a keyboard, create digital presentations, or revise word documents are limited in their abilities to compete on the same level as other students with those skills. Early access to edtech tools ensures that students have the skill set needed to learn and utilize rapidly changing technology.

So, why are some teachers still so hesitant to embrace the use of technology in the classroom?

Reason #1: Administrators aren't doing enough to encourage teacher buy-in.

If administrators fail to clearly communicate the benefits of classroom technology to their staff, teachers may view edtech as an inconvenience rather than a necessity. The transition to new technology can be challenging for some teachers. If administrators are unable to prove to their teachers that one-size-fits-all lesson plans do not meet the needs of all students, teachers may be unwilling to add yet another thing to their plate.

When structuring a pilot, it's important to build teach buy-in by regularly asking for and listening to teacher feedback. Before launching a new technology initiative, administrators should make sure that teachers have time to get comfortable with new technology, clearly express their expectations for technology usage, outline any instructional shifts, and create a safe space for trial and error.

The most successful edtech programs are supported by both administrators and teachers. This means that district officials should visit classrooms and attend professional development sessions alongside teachers. Schools with influential and inclusive leaders can drive meaningful change.

Reason #2: Teachers don't have a strong support system.

It's hard to hop on the edtech bandwagon when there's not a bandwagon to hop on to. Despite best intentions, if a lone teacher tries to implement classroom technology in an otherwise pen and paper school, her efforts may fall short. Studies show that teachers are more successful in teaching new skills when they are able to confide in or get feedback from other teachers going through a similar process.

I recently attended an eSpark launch in Cleveland, MS. We visited a total of 6 schools, and helped students and teachers learn to use their new iPads. The excitement in the air was palpable as we visited classrooms, and almost immediately students were up and running on eSpark, seamlessly navigating between instructional videos and educational apps. In each classroom that I visited, teachers were presenting the same instructions to their students, practicing the same skills, and using the same instructional strategies. Camaraderie and shared best practices can go a long way in making a new initiative successful. In a school or district-wide edtech program, teachers can share tips, problem-solve together, and encourage each other.

Reason #3: Teachers doubt their ability to learn and implement new instructional strategies.

When teachers say they don't have the time, energy, desire, or training to introduce the effective use of tech in the classroom, what they're usually saying is that they're scared. I get it-classroom technology can require huge instructional and mindset shifts that can be overwhelming to many teachers. Teaching is one of the hardest professions because it requires dedication of heart and mind. Learning something new can incite a range of emotions because the prospect of failing your students is daunting. Plenty of teachers, regardless of age or experience level, harbor doubts about their ability to successfully use classroom technology.

Thankfully, the most effective classroom tools are designed to be intuitive and easy to troubleshoot.

Since joining eSpark, I've seen firsthand the ways that technology can change the culture of the classroom and how a child learns. Differentiated learning on iPads can help narrow the achievement gap and engage high performing students who would otherwise be disengaged from a one-size-fits-all lesson. While making major instructional shifts can be a challenging process, the risks of transitioning to a blended learning classroom pale in comparison to the rewards of successfully meeting the needs of every student.

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3 Reasons Why Some Teachers STILL Aren't Embracing the Use of Technology in the Classroom

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While reflecting on my time spent in the classroom, I'm sometimes embarrassed to admit that I rarely used technology to differentiate learning for my students. During my first two years with Teach for America, I was exposed to a wealth of community knowledge, plenty of professional development opportunities, and variety of pedagogical perspectives.

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There are so many tools and ways to help students out there.

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There are so many tools and ways to help students out there.

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The pressure is on, and educators are feeling it more and more.

Principals and school boards everywhere are requiring teachers to integrate technology into the classroom. Sometimes, the change is as simple as adding a computer class to the curriculum, other times it requires teachers to literally flip their entire lesson plan into a hi-tech beast!

Although these flipped classrooms give students an edge, they may also give their teachers a headache! Don't worry, I'm here to show you that whether you teach 2nd-grade math or high school biology there is a simple way to 'techify' your existing lesson plans.
Sit back and check out these 13 ways to integrate technology into any lesson!
1. Mission Impossible Challenge - Present a challenge to your students with this super engaging " Mission impossible" Template, complete with spy music! All you do is add your own images and Text!

2. Skype an Expert - The 'Live' version of anything online is awesome. Simply get in touch with an expert in any field, (this can be a college professor, the local museum curator, or even a fellow teacher). Schedule a Live Skype or Zoom session where the students can ask the expert questions - in real-time. If you teach Literature you're in luck, there is a website dedicated to connecting with authors - Skype an Author!

3. Five Facts about "Subject" - This is the most useful template for an in-class assignment or as homework (if students have the tech capabilities). Simply choose a topic, and write 5 facts about a said topic. "Hi, I'm H20 and I do 5 things really well..."

4. Fuzzy Image - You will need a camera or camera phone. Zoom in on an object until it becomes fuzzy or you can only see a small part of the total image. Print it out or project it onto a screen. Have students guess the mystery image as a lesson introduction.

5. Google Earth - This app is not limited to history or geography or environmental science; You can use it to show students where the pythagorean theorem was developed, or the actual location in China where 'Kung Fu Panda' learned his skills. Google Earth is a fun and really quick way to infuse some real-time, hi-tech into any lesson.

6. Interview A Scientist or Historical figure - Create a dialogue with a great leader in their field, such as Einstein, Gandhi, or Neil DeGrasse Tyson. This animated interview is very easy to set up using Powtoon. Simply upload an image and add a few speech bubbles. It's pretty fun watching your teacher hang out with an 'educational celebrity'. You ask questions and the answer is pre-made on each slide. Animated Interviews are also great for students with presentation anxiety because the slideshow guides them through each point.

7. Mini Me Introductions!- Turn yourself or your students into cartoon versions of yourselves! Students will get a kick out of seeing themselves on screen with a giant head and a cartoon body. " Mini-Me " is especially useful for the beginning of the school year. Your class can make animated videos or slideshows introducing themselves with key pointers, such as name, hobby and a cool fact they just learned!

7. Collaborative Class Blog - Set up a blog (WordPress, Blogger, Kidblog) for your class! Come up with a fun title with your students and create different categories based on your syllabus. For example, if you're an English Teacher you can vote on a fun title like, "Class 7B's Book Reading Blogorama!" Create a tab for each book you read like 'Brother's Grimm, The Giver, Macbeth, etc...' Ask your students a question in class and have them write a short post either during the lesson or as a homework assignment. Have them publish it the blog and tag it into the appropriate category.

8. Make a Meme - Meme Generator! There are memes about everything from cats to chemistry, to cats teaching chemistry. Have your students pick an image or provide your own image and let them fill in the rest. Print them out and hang 'em up!

9. Build My Website Project - Have your students build their own website based on course topics. For instance, if you teach History and you are learning about the Revolution - You can ask each student in the class to create a website covering 18th Century themes. i.e '18th Century Soldier' (resource guides, food reviews, military fashion, Horses in Battle, etc...) or 'Constitution Corner' (covering political candidates, issues and formation of the US government) Or '18th Century Science'.

10. Slide for Each Day Project - This is on one of my favorites. Every day after your lesson have one student summarize the main takeaway from the class in one sentence. Take a picture (either of another student, a drawing in a textbook, or upload a relevant image) and add it to a Powtoon slide. Voila! At the end of the month, you have a student-made, collaborative slideshow of class accomplishments!

11. Tell an inside Joke - Create a 20-second animated video with a personalized joke: "What is Mrs. Johnson's favorite drink?" Hot Chalk - olate! Yes, it's cheesy, but jokes are a quick and fun way to get kids situated with the idea of animations and short videos. Have them each write a funny joke, funny phrase or inspiring quotation. Check out this list of nerdy educational jokes and apply one to your class!

12.Lyric Video/Music Video - All students can relate to music. Have each student choose a short verse or chorus of a song they like, then have them change the lyrics to the topic of their choice. Here's an example of " All about that Space" by science entertainer Coma Niddy. Students can use animated characters and on-screen lyrics if they don't want to make live video. Here's an example of Uptown Funk animated Lyric video.

13. Video Clips - This is a no brainer - Use BrainPOP, YouTube or TED to break up the monotony of class by showing a video that enriches your lesson or even a short video clip that will let out a giggle. If you are giving a presentation via slideshow, you can even insert a video into your presentation without any tech skills.

There you have it! With minimal effort and a bit of creativity, you can easily integrate technology into any lesson plan.

Have you used any of these techniques for flipping the classroom? Would love to hear about your awesome ideas in the comments below!

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13 Simple Ways to Integrate Technology into any Lesson Plan

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The pressure is on, and educators are feeling it more and more. Principals and school boards everywhere are requiring teachers to integrate technology into the classroom. Sometimes, the change is as simple as adding a computer class to the curriculum, other times it requires teachers to literally flip their entire lesson plan into a hi-tech beast!

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I will be using this to help keep everyone in touch.

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I will be using this to help keep everyone in touch.

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This is a great website to help keep everyone in the know on what is going on.

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Pay less for domain names. Bulk pricing and private domain name registration options. Transfer domain names risk-free.

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I am trying to give you and your children ways to use technology that is safe.

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Here is a website to watch podcasts to help engage their learning.

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Here is a website to watch podcasts to help engage their learning.

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"50 Educational Podcasts You Should Check Out" by Julie DeNeen first appeared on the informED blog.
Maybe you don't have time to sit down and sift through the latest education blogs for ideas and inspiration. If the thought of trying to carve out more hours in your day leaves you feeling overwhelmed, this list is for you.
Podcasts are a great way to get information when you're driving in your car, making dinner at home, or waiting at the DMV to renew your license. Podcasts don't force you to find more time in your day; they give you the opportunity to capitalize on all the dead time that already exists in your day by simply downloading the .mp3 or syncing a podcast to your iTunes account on your smartphone.
Even though podcasts have been around awhile, a lot of people still don't utilize the hundreds of free podcasts available on the Internet. Now is a great time to start.
Below are 50 educational podcasts you should look consider.
1. NPR: National Public Radio has an entire section of education podcasts that highlight current education news and events that happen around the world.
2. TED Talks: I have yet to listen to a TED talk that didn't inspire or ignite new energy for an idea or topic. Subscribe to TED's education podcasts to hear from some of the brightest minds in academia today.
3. A History of the World in 100 Objects: The British News Company has a great podcast for anyone teaching history or a related discipline.
4. ISTE: The International Society for Technology Education is a trusted source for podcasts on how technology is changing the classroom. Podcasts cover various topics from blogging to mobile learning.
5. Techlandia: Jon Samuelson (@ipadsammy) Alison Anderson (@tedrosececi) and Curt Rees (@curtrees) take listeners through the world of educational technology- Jimmy Fallon style. Listen to great interviews of innovative educators as well as getting professional development on tools you can use immediately in your classroom- by teachers, for teachers.
6. The State of Tech: These podcasts focus on education technology in the state of Ohio, but the podcasts can benefit any educator. Topics include new software, platforms, and innovative ideas for tech in the classroom.
7. The Ed Tech Crew Podcast: A weekly podcast about technology and digital advances in education, hosted by Darrel Branston and Tony Richards. Topics are varied.
8. The Compendium Blog of the A.T. Tipscast: This podcast focuses on Tools in Public Schools; giving students and teachers ways to use technology to further educational goals. Each podcast has a practical take-away tip for the classroom.
9. Classroom 2.0 LIVE: This website hosts a weekly webinar specifically designed for beginners who have never used the webinar technology before. Each episode is then offered as an archived podcast that is available for download.
10. EdReach: The focus of EdReach's podcasts are on innovative apps and different web tools for teachers. Episodes focus on technology as a tool for students of all ages and abilities.
: The website, "English as Second Language" offers a weekly practical podcast that concentrates on everyday topics for those learning to speak English. The podcast comes with a learning guide as well.
12. EDU-Talk: The mission of EDU-Talk podcasts is to get educators and students to talk about academia using technology. The site also encourages users to upload podcasts too!
Gamers Advance Meaningful Education is a site developed for people who want to use gaming to help in the educational process. For anyone who is interested in the creative potential of gaming in education, their webinar series is available to download in podcast episodes produced monthly.
14. Google Educast: Google certified teachers are featured on this weekly podcast that gives a roundup of new tech tools and Google products- many of which can be used in the classroom.
15. Infinite Thinking Machine: This is a high-energy TV show specifically targeted to educators, parents, and students who are interested in technology in education. They were nominated as one of 2012's best Edublog podcasts.
16. Nerdy Cast: Hosted by Nicholas Provenzano, this podcast emphasizes pop culture, technology, and how it relates to and affects education. Expect funny!
17. EdTechTalk: This podcast is called Teachers Teaching Teachers and is a collaborative effort. Teachers discuss new software and tools they are successfully using in the classroom.
18. Blog Talk Radio: Their Therapy and Learning Resources podcast is great for educators of young children or those with learning disabilities and other handicaps. Examples of topics include stuttering, organization, picky eating, and vocal health.
19. The Back Channel: This podcast is offered every other week and gives the listener a round up all the talked about education technology news.
20. The ARTS Roundtable: This podcast is a fantastic resource for teachers in the fine arts. The focus is on music, drama, and the visual arts.
21. The Flipped Learning Network: This weekly podcast is hosted by Troy Cockrum and focuses on the latest practices and tips from teachers who are using the flipped classroom model.
22. Lit Tech: This is a podcast for librarians. It is held weekly and showcases all the cool tech gadgets and ideas for literary educators.
23. Grammar Girl: This site offers regular podcasts for anyone interested in teaching grammar or learning it for themselves!
24. British History: For history buffs, this website hosts regular podcasts that focus solely on the history of England from the Ice age forward.
25. China History: Another history podcast that focuses on Chinese history starting 5000 years ago and proceeding to today.
26. Smart People Podcast: Picking smart people's "oversized brains" is what this podcast is all about. They interview people from various industries to bring their listeners episodes that satisfy those of us with insatiable curiosity.
27. EdukWest: A podcast started by a woman who wanted to follow all the startups and trends in education. Various contributors now host the EdukWest podcasts.
28. Radio Lab: Podcasts for the curious mind. Broadcast on over 300 radio stations across the United States, Radio Lab explores science, philosophy, and the human experience.
29. How Stuff Works: You never know what you're going to get with this podcast. Expect topics that range from cars to food to pop-psychology.
30. StarTalk Radio: A podcast series that focuses on all things extra-terrestrial. Topics include stars, the big bang, space travel, black holes, and more.
31. Ropecast: Mini-podcasts designed for those who love English culture and language. The five-minute episodes are available once every two weeks.
32. eCorner: This podcast, titled Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders, explores the principles that create successful business owners and leaders.
33. Chemical Heritage Foundation: A science podcast that focuses specifically on chemistry. Each episode looks at past breakthroughs and the effect it has on present and future scientific research.
34. Educate: This website offers a large database of podcasts for all subject areas and disciplines. They are specifically designed for classroom and student use. The database makes it easy to search by topic or theme.
35. Audiria: A podcast for those interested in learning the Spanish language. Each podcast is rated with a difficulty level or listeners can choose podcasts that concentrate on specific areas.
36. Teacher Created Materials: Podcasts for educators looking for new strategies to use in the classroom. Podcasts are arranged by topic and cover all subject areas.
37. Power to Learn: Cablevision's Education Initiative offers a podcast that highlights user-friendly strategies and tips for teachers. Some examples of topics include plagiarism, common core standards, and mobile teaching ideas.
38. The History Chicks: A fresh look at history through factual and fictional characters. Podcasts go into detail about the time period, culture, and typical lifestyle of the person highlighted in each episode.
39. Math Mutation: Short podcasts that explore mathematics. Topics cover strange and quirky concepts that aren't normally taught in school.
40. Astronomy Cast: This website offers a weekly podcast centered on astronomy concepts like planets and cosmology.
41. The Naked Scientist: Cambridge University researchers and physicians are behind this podcast filled with humor and levity as they explore a diverse set of science topics. Their goal is to strip science down to its bare essentials.
42. The History of WWII: Ray Harris, graduate of James Madison University and history buff, brings listeners a bi-weekly podcast of WWII facts, trivia, and information.
43. Day in Tech History: This podcast is hosted by Jeffrey Powers, a tech expert who loves to build desktops. He explores the history of technology along with what he calls "geek" science.
44. Classic Poetry Aloud Index: Podcasts of famous poetry. You can browse through themes or poets to find one that interests you.
: Browse through podcasts about psychology, science, technology, or politics. The episodes are available for 30 days and updated weekly.
: Offered by PBS, the popular TV program also offers podcasts on a variety of science, human interest, and engineering topics.
47. NASA Science Casts: These video podcasts are short, fun, and bring unusual science topics to light. Podcasts are based on historical space missions completed by NASA.
48. Geek SLP: Podcasts that focus on technology and its place in education.
49. Music Education Advocacy: A podcast that interviews educators who are trying to restore music education in schools. Their mission is to mobilize musicians to donate to music education charities and breathe new life into the subject area.
50. Practical Money Skills: Podcasts that focus on financial literacy. Topics include how to afford college, tax preparation, and budgeting. Great for life skills teachers!
Read more: http://newsroom.opencolleges.edu.au/features/50-educational-podcasts-you-should-check-out/#ixzz2IqwJ6hA9

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50 Educational Podcasts You Should Check Out

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Maybe you don't have time to sit down and sift through the latest education blogs for ideas and inspiration. If the thought of trying to carve out more hours in your day leaves you feeling overwhelmed, this list is for you.

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Here is one way you can use technology in your classroom.

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Check out my website that I will use in my classroom!

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Check out my website that I will use in my classroom!

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Advocacy Acceptable Use Policy Announcements Digital Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions Homework Parent Information School Information Student Information Teacher Information Technology

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Still need some reasons why? Well here is 5 more

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Still need some reasons why? Well here is 5 more

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Think that integrating technology into the classroom will only distract students and marginalize educators?

Think again. Since students are already interested and engaged in technology, teachers can harness that attention for educational purposes. Incorporating the internet, laptops, tablets and even smartphones into the curriculum has many benefits for teachers and students alike.

1. Engages students and creates active learners.

Using a computer, tablet, or other device encourages self-directed learning and creates an active participant in the learning process, rather than the passive learners found in a lecture environment. Interactive lesson plans can help turn "boring" conceptual subjects like math and science into fun, engaging, and educational activities for students.

2. Encourages individual learning and growth.

No one learns in the same way or at the same pace, but technology can level-set the classroom. For example, technology can provide accommodations for struggling or disabled students, and virtual lesson plans provide individualized instruction for all. Students can learn at their own speed, reviewing difficult concepts or skipping ahead as needed. Additionally, access to the internet gives students access to a broad range of resources to conduct research.
Ready to get started? Four steps to take to help you prepare a 1:1 classroom.
3. Facilitates peer collaboration.

In a research project conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, many educators reported that technology facilitated peer collaboration. They noted that when students were assigned to small groups for technology-based projects, those students who already had certain computer and technology skills routinely assisted less skilled students. Peer tutoring, mentoring, and collaboration were the unexpected results of the technology integration.

4. Prepares students for the real world.

Technology is an integral part of how we work and live, every day. Teaching students how to use technology to learn, research, collaborate, and solve problems from an early age will better prepare them for their careers. It can also help reduce the fear of new technology in the future by familiarizing them with the discovery process for each new tool.

5. Creates more engaged and successful teachers.

Using technologies like virtual lesson plans and internet resources can help free up time - both in developing and delivering the curriculum. This allows teachers to spend more time with the students who are struggling, ensuring the whole class is better prepared for tests and advancement.

As an educator, integrating technology into the curriculum is key. In other words, don't just add a piece of technology to a lesson plan just because you can. Make sure you understand:

How to use the technology

How to train students on using the technology

How the technology supports your curriculum

What benefits the technology brings to your lesson

An easy way to introduce technology is to start small. Try using a document camera to project textbook images on a screen, or introduce a website a week that corresponds with your lesson plan.

The point is not to let technology take over your classroom, but to integrate it. Traditional teaching processes like lectures, writing papers, and analog testing should not be abandoned. When combined effectively with the methods you're used to, technology can help you and help your students.
Capella University offers over 20 free professional development courses focused on educational technology, with options in three proficiency levels: limited technology experience, moderate experience, or teacher leaders/PD professionals.

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5 Reasons to Incorporate Technology into Your Classroom

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Think that integrating technology into the classroom will only distract students and marginalize educators? Think again. Since students are already interested and engaged in technology, teachers can harness that attention for educational purposes. Incorporating the internet, laptops, tablets and even smartphones into the curriculum has many benefits for teachers and students alike.