Classroom Design

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The classroom can no longer be a space in which the outside world is ignored; incorporating technology in the classroom has become an essential educational component. However, how we incorporate this technology into a classroom setting is debatable. Many Educators are using a variety of  unique ways to design and set up their classrooms. Challenging traditional designs of structured desks and chairs and shifting toward a design that allows students to engage in more group activities, thus providing a sense of community and cooperative experiences.  How and where do we put electronic components effects are students just as much as the color of the walls and the lighting.  Designing a smart classroom has become a challenging issue for educators. Faced with questions such as does a basic desk and chair meet the needs of the students learning today? We are currently changing the expectations of the students why not the setting in which we deliver the information!

Technology Outside The Classroom

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BYOT! Bringing your own Technology!

Students are bringing their own technology to classrooms; everyday tucked in their bags, lockers, coats and cars. The use of this technology is absolutely forbidden, and thought to provide no educational value therefore lacking a place in classrooms or curriculum.  Cell phones, iPods, tablets, iPads are not allowed within the brick and mortar, for these devices are merely a distraction from the learning that must take place.  However, we know the way in which students use these devices affects their learning in the classrooms. Students use technology outside the classroom daily which provides students with vast knowledge of technical concepts. Students bring this knowledge to the classroom, and understanding how youth use a variety of technologies outside the classroom can help us as educators to engage students within the classroom.  Jon Bergmann has a very interesting approach to how one teacher is challenging and engaging his students outside of the classroom by merging the classroom with the technologies students already enjoy to use. 

Technology and the exceptional child

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Educators have been using technology in the classroom to help personalize lessons, review learned skills and introduce new concepts.  For children using technology is an everyday part of their lives. Therefore, enriching the lives of exceptional children in the classroom using a variety of technology is a way in which educators can continue to engage and motivate expectational children. Providing a platform for children to succeed and learn is a challenge in any situation. However, today's classroom can bridge the gap using technology.

If educators and those providing specialized services for our children are accessing these tools, what tools can parents use at home? How can parents encourage at home reading and the practice of other skills in an unstructured, fun, engaging way. Technology may be an easy stress free way to assist children in and out of the classroom!

Book Reports

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Book reports are a rite of passage for youth; reading a passage comprehending its complexity and translating a coherent, clear summarization of the books context are the uncriticized steps in the formation of a book report. No source offers debate, that reading and writing are essential lasting skills needed to succeed. However, the bases for how we learn these skill is evolving. Simply, as students evolve in their learning capacities so should the style in which we teach. Why are we neglecting to offer students alternatives to traditional techniques. As my son sits down to write his book report this evening he is all but engaged. This is an opportunity for educators to access alternatives in the learning process. Why not allow a typed and printed reports? Or an emailed report? Or a video report, or a podcast. Youth today are schooling the adults in the field of technology why not allow youth to flex there creative muscle at a young age an allow students to create a book report!