Keeping+Current+Gems

Smartboards Improve Student Interest [| http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/may/23/technology-helping-bring-world-classroom-hayden/] I like how it speaks about the interest of the kids. Technology is a key motivator when teaching, and we should use it as often as possible, and encourage or teach other teachers how to as well.

Teacher makes Math Lessons Relevant to Students [] In class, we have been speaking about the brain and how we learn. Well, a part of learning is to have students interacting, using prior knowledge and experiences, and connecting learning to those experiences. This is an example of a teacher connecting learning to what the students know and have experienced (RELEVANCE)!

Upstart Social Network Targets Younger Users [] I feel a bit perplexed about this article. Its great that there will be a social networking site specifically designed for the young child, so they can chat and belong with other kids. However, I feel that since every single thing on the site for the kids to use has gone through the parents, some kids might rebel against it or not want to use it. They don't even get to pick their own friends! They have to use the kids of their parent's friends. In a way it is good, because it is safe and its like a training tool, but geez, let the kids do some things on their own.

Teachers use Skype to Broaden Classroom View for Kindergarteners [|http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/may/31/na-skype-brings-classes-together/] I love how there are so many uses for this program. Talking to authors, talking to students from other countries, and talking to students just around the corner. Something to try out for all of us.

Setting Summer Goals Helps Students Maintain Reading Levels [] I was reading this and thinking how important it is for us to think about our students during those 2 months off. What are they doing then? How can we encourage them to stay current themselves. As a teacher, I would love the help from my LMS in creating summer reading lists for my students, and having my students work with her to create their own reading lists. This is something I want to remember and try to use.

BrainPop [] I love how brainpop is branching out to include BrainPop Jr, BrainPop ESL and BrainPop Espanol. It really shows what our students need to stay current in this world. Also, this is a fabulous website for teachers and students to use.

Dreambox Learning [] This is a free math program that includes lessons and games. I played around on it a little bit, and it seemed interesting and fun. I think it would be good to encourage our students to continually practice and learn this summer, so anything we can recommend to students and parents would be a help.

[|www.playflashcar.com] I love this site! The kids would love playing here and practicing their math. The only thing is, you have to pay 15 dollars a year, but that is really not much at all, and the students can just use each others sign ins, or just pick a different car.

Educators receive training in classroom technology tools [|http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2010/03/14/20100314biz-cr-intel0315.html] Wow! What a novel idea to actually go into schools and teach teachers how to use technology in the classroom. When adults know how to use certain tools, they are more likely to use those tools in the classroom. This could even spiral to teachers having parents come in to learn new kinds of technology. I don't understand why this is not happening in more places.