Pathfinder+Activity


 * Pathfinder Title:** Technology in the Classroom


 * Introduction:** I chose to search for technology in the classroom, because I am curious as to what types are available for teachers. Money is a big issue in most schools, and I just wanted to know what is out there in case I never get a chance to experience it all. The intended audience for this pathfinder is fellow teachers who may be curious as to what is out there for us to use.


 * Key Terms:** new technology and education, types of new technology and education, examples of technology in education, technology in elementary classrooms


 * Search Strategy:** For my first search, I used Google because I am very familiar with it. I started with searching “new technology and education”, but didn’t find exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to learn about specific types of technology that is now being used, so I changed my search to “types of new technology and education.” This brought up many of the previous links I had found, with a few new ones. I wasn’t finding what I wanted. I tried one more search with Google, “examples of technology in education.” I went on to use Dogpile as well as the ERIC database at the OSU library. With all of these searches, I was not finding what I was wanting! I went back to Google, and searched “technology in elementary classrooms.” Finally, I found a few good ones.

1.) http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/front_tech.htm Discusses using technology in the classroom. It has a large list of articles to read, links, recommending readings, questions, and actions to take. 2.)  http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/te0cont.htm This is an archive of articles written by people who have researched critical issues dealing with technology. There is a list of articles that can be directed to different areas of education, as well as supporting materials and additional resources. 3.) http://faculty.usiouxfalls.edu/arpeterson/Tech%20in%20ed.htm This is a website that was designed for a technology class, and it is amazing! There are articles to read or watch dealing with technology, but the best part is under “technology topics.” There are all kinds of links that take you to sites dealing with technology. I went to one called ‘smartboard sites’ and it contains helpful tricks for using a smartboard.  4.)  http://www.edzone.net/~mwestern/elemath.html This article deals with math and technology, and it discusses tools to use to increase mathematical learning in the classroom. It also gives a list of very helpful links, including interactive games and online flashcards. 5.) http://www.gigglepotz.com/inspirek_gmath.htm This has many links providing teachers with ideas for integrating technology into the daily classroom schedule. 6.)  http://faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/espinoza/s/ellis-b-657.html This is a good website dealing specifically with integrating science and technology. It has tons of ideas, plus a list of links for super science sites. 7.) http://www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/LinkedFiles/Articles/TAC%20pdf/2004-05Volume9/T&Cdec04.vol9.2.pdf This is an article that discusses technology in the classroom. It talks about challenges teachers face when trying to help students become technology sound.  8.)  http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html This website lists articles that discuss a number of positive results dealing with technology in the classroom. 9.) http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Educational_technologies_in_elementary_classrooms This website lists specific tools that can be used in the classroom, such as web quests, spreadsheets, and digital cameras. Each thing listed is a link that tells more about the tool.  10.)  http://mrpullen.wordpress.com/ This is an article that is one person’s prediction for the future about how technology is going to be used within our schools. It discusses the current economic state.
 * Resources:**