CTE and the 21st Century Student

The Use of New Technology in the Classroom

Being a computer teacher, I am lucky enough to have many kinds of technology available to me.  I currently use AB Tutor to monitor my students while they are on their computers.  All computers are networked and each student has storage space on the network drive.  Our county has broadband Internet access for teachers and students to use.  I have an overhead projector and Mimio board which is similar to a Smartboard.  Each student has their own desktop computer to use.  I have a DVD/VCR combo hooked up to my projector with a surround sound system.  I have a television with many cable channels available.  I have a color laser printer for the classroom.  I have an Airwriter which I still have not learned how to use.  As you can see, technology abounds in my classroom.  I know that I am lucky to have all of these items available to help me teach my students.  At times I feel bad that I have so much and others have so little.  Of all the technology I have in my classroom, I think the one I would hate to give up is my overhead projector.  I use it daily from starting to students on daily bellwork to giving notes to demonstrating how to do something on their computer.  I would like to hear from other teachers what is their favorite technology they are currently using and would had to lose. 

Posted at 04:41PM Oct 26, 2008 by Jennifer Cable in Emerging Technologies  |  Comments[8]

Helping Students Adapt to the New Flat World

After reading Thomas Friedman's "The World Is Flat" I have more questions than answers.  We are living in a society where things are changing daily and we are aware of these changes.  I think in the past, thing were changing but we didn't realize it until some time later.  I believe that since things are changing so quickly, we are able to see them faster.  This creates problems for educators as we try to help our student prepare for entering the workforce in this 21st Century.  I would like to hear suggestions from other educators strategies you are using to help students adapt to the ever changing world.  What are you telling them about these changes?  Global awareness in part of the 21st Century skill framework.  How are you educating your students to become more aware of their world and not just the community they are living in?  Just a few questions for thought. 

Posted at 11:31AM Oct 16, 2008 by Jennifer Cable in Is The World Truly Flat?  |  Comments[2]

How Games are Used in the Classroom

Gaming can be an effective learning tool when used in the classroom.  I use a variety of games for test review  and also to deepen my students understanding of concepts.  Some of my favorite computer games to use are Battleship, Concentration, Hangman, and Rags to Riches.  These games are found on Quia.com.  I purchase a subscription to this website each year at a cost of $49.00.  The benefits my students receive more than outweigh the cost.  I also use cooperative learning activities which I tell my students these are games.  The one I use often is called "Four Corners".  Using my overhead projector, I place a question on the board with four possible answers. Each corner in my room has been label A, B, C, or D.  Students move to the corner which contains the answer they think is correct.  We then discuss the question, what makes each answer wrong, and why a certain answer is correct.  I also have Concentration games I have made up where students work in groups but by far the easiest games are those on the computer.  Technology can open so many doors for teachers.  We just need to embrace the changes and being searching for new and innovative ways to teach our students.  Games can be the first step for teachers who are not comfortable or familiar with technology.  Happy surfing.  

Posted at 11:18AM Oct 09, 2008 by Jennifer Cable in Gaming  |  Comments[2]