How Can Internet Tools Help Me in the Classroom?

Technology gets bigger and broader as each year passes, thus I cannot stress enough how important it is to help our students learn how to use so many available resources! Tools such as VoiceThread, Slideshow, and SlideCasts are helpful and innovative for teacher's use in the classroom.


In my essential question, I ask my students what steps need to be taken in their lives in order to achieve success in our world today. This essential question is then followed by three unit questions. In the third unit question I ask my students what occupation they would choose in order to achieve success. Using this one question, I can then create a VoiceThread that illustrates that essential question, and makes it fun and interactive for the students as well. I would then show several pictures of different jobs as I narrate what I expect my students to perform at the end of the VoiceThread. In the VoiceThread, I also have links that correspond with each occupation that explain what the occupation is, and the occupations annual salary. With these links, the students will choose one occupation and explain how and why that occupation will help them be successful in their future world. Here is an outline of the project in an ideal format. VoiceThread: Technology-
Integrated Plan


In my future classroom, I hope to do similar projects that peaks my students interest. I may even have my students create their own VoiceThread for future presentations in the classroom. I really believe that students could get creative and find that they enjoy the new tool available. Many times students get tired of the same method of learning, and some students learn better when they teach themselves. Using VoiceThread, Slideshow, and SlideCast would give these students to learn how they learn best. Instead of a teacher constantly telling them how to do something, it could be that reading the material, comprehending it, and then performing the task given will help students truly learn because of the hands on experience that this opportunity brings. Of course, I strongly believe that this type of learning is not for everyone, but it can be useful in my future classroom.