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What are 3 considerations you have taken away from the information today on teaching with educational software, Web 2.0 and peripherals (i.e., what did you learn today?!)

 * I think that technology is a very important tool to utilize in the classroom. The children of today are technology focused. So, the use of technology is very interesting to them. They can probably use a computer and fix a problem on the computer better than I can. The teacher needs to make sure that she is up to date and knowledgeable about the information that she is using with the children. If they have a question about something, she should be able to provide an answer. If the lesson is engaging and interesting, this will enhance the students learning. Web 2.0 and peripherals is new to me. I have never created a blog or a wiki space before. Navigating through these pages and learning how to use them is interesting and fun. It also calls for a lot of trial and error. I am slowly getting it though :) (Tammi Gorski)


 * I found that there are so many different ways to integrate technology into the classroom. I really feel that there is no excuse for teachers to not try to incorporate at least some technology. Also, I learned that it takes a lot of preparation to use some kinds of technology in the classroom. Especially when using the internet, there are so many things to watch out for and to try and avoid to keep the students on task and engaged. After completing this assignment, I started to really consider setting up a classroom website that has resources for the children as well as the parents. This website can provide links to many useful sites that the children and explore in the classroom or also at home. (Kelly Rice)
 * Websites can be a great place for information, news, homework assignments, which is why a class website would be a great too for posting classroom newsletters. I'm not as knowledgeable about technology like kids today, but would be a good idea to learn more. The internet can help to answer questions that teachers might not know all about, but the sites have to be carefully researched. Not all websites are creditable. I started to explore all the websites, and I found some amazing sites for language arts, social studies, and science. All of which would be helpful, although, the science was more for lesson planning. I enjoyed the //Choices// software program; I thought it would be great for whole group instruction. (Regina Collins)


 * I think that technology in the classroom is successful in helping teach children today. It is vital to the success of the world and must be incorporated into lessons in order for the students to know what they must know for now as well as the future. Technology is growing and changing daily and in result we must make our students aware of the changes and give them ample oportunities to practice what they are learning using technology. Looking around my school and seeing how the technology is used, I am aware of how effective it can be when used properly. By using smartboards and webcams as well as interactive software to teach all subjects, helps students explore the many possibiltites learning has to offer. We as teachers must give them the tools they need to succeed. Right now, technology is a tool that will give our students many opportunites to succeed. (Stephanie Clarke-Brooks)


 * Having technology in the classroom is an essential part to incorporate in the curriculum for our students. This is due to the changing times our society is undertaking,we run everything now through technology.Some forms of technology that are useful in the classroom are smartboards or elmo's and computers. These resources can make a world of a difference in student engagement in the classroom by keeping the students active in their learning. While looking around my school campus, I noticed that students enjoy using the computers provided in their classroom to do research and explore educational websites. Using technology for teachers has become very handy now because they are able to actually engage the whole class in what's being projected rather than having seat work all the time. I would definitely use technology to teach new material by using power point and cameras to allow students to expand their knowledge and make it more interesting. (Elizabeth Ramirez)