I believe very strongly in the use of technology integration in the classroom. Through online games and simulations, apps to webquests, so much content can be taught via technology.
Have a look at this website to see the 2012 trends of educating via technology in the classroom.
2012 Tech Trends
As seen in the previous article, cooperative learning is directly related to technology usage in the classroom. Often times schools will not have enough computers, portable lap tops, or iPads for each student in a class, but learning to share the technology and work in peer groups is something I highly encourage in my class.
Technology in the US History classroom is really a phenomenal thing. Our students can look at online collections of photographs, correspondence, and maps visually retelling the stories of old. Due to budgets and expenditures, I often like to take my students on virtual field trips. One of my favorite places to visit is the Smithsonian. It offer extensive virtual tours of most of its exhibits. Here the students can look around and even research topics of interest. But most importantly, it intertwines history and technology.
Smithsonian Site
Though the wide-world of technology is vast and continuously growing, it is helpful to stay abreast of what your students have access to. I am a big proponent of monitoring what my students post as well as how active a voice they have in social media outside the classroom. Surprisingly, most of your students are very willing to share what goes on in their tech-savvy lives. As a resource, I often refer to the video below when parents are at a loss on how to connect with their children. Children, students, young adults will tell you all day what they do doesn't matter and they need no outside input, yet, what I have found is that is a simple cry for rules, regulations, boundaries, and above all a need for their parents to be more engaged in their lives.
Overall, I anticipate that this will be an engaging journey with your students. Through the use of technology integration, riveting content, and parental support, I expect to produce a class full on *5s* on the AP US History test! Thanks again for your support, parents. Stay tuned for our next class blog post.
-Ms. N
