Technology Infused Classroom

When you enter a technology infused classroom you should be able to see the effects within 5 to 10 minutes. Of course if every classroom had a smartboard the time would be less. A visitor should see the teacher using technology effectively throughout the class period. There are so many ways to incorporate technology having an infused classroom should be fairly simple.

In my classroom I use my projector all the time. I show videos for grammar, use the clickers to check students understanding of a grammar lesson, and use simple powerpoints to introduce new items or give instructions. I would like my students to have easier access to computers. Even the use of the 25 computers on a laptop cart is difficult as only about half of them work at any given time. Last week this proved to be a difficult experience the first time I brought them into the classroom. I ended up having to rethink my lesson and structure the classroom around the technology. I had to have half the class using the computers while the other half of the class worked in collaborative groups to complete an assignment. This was exhausting! Now I am concerned about future computer use in my classroom. Though I use my technology daily I feel that I could infuse technology more efficiently.

Visual Literacy and the Internet

Visual literacy should be an important part of any classroom. Teachers have a better chance of reaching more students when visuals are used to enhance the instruction. I am a firm believer that a teacher should try to reach students across the learning styles of the classroom.
The use of the internet easily allows students to "see" what is being discussed in the classroom. Teachers can use videos to teach a lesson in a different way. The internet can also be used to show students other countries, how to complete an experiment, or see a visual interpretation of literature.
In my classroom, I really like to use my clickers with a powerpoint. I like my students to be able to read the question for themselves before they make a decision. I consistantly encourage my students to use mind maps, venn diagrams, and other graphic organizers when completing the prewriting step for a writing assignment.
I use the internet in my classroom at least once a week to teach grammar. I like to show the Tim and Moby videos from brainpop.com. Though I teach high school, my students are still interested in this cartoon video about grammar.