Get'em From the First Minute

If you are like me, you are well into your school year (we started in August) and hopefully have a routine in place. That is one of the biggest factors in classroom success- a routine! I think we all understand that concept. So how can you incorporate your technology in to this routine? Easy. Try a few of these ideas:

1) Start your day with a technology byte. Find a short video, cartoon, picture, etc. that will lead into your lesson that day and have it up and going when your students enter the room. It is amazing how easily a technology byte can focus a students attention.

2) Start your day/class period with an interactive activity on your SMARTBoard (or other interactive white board). I have a puzzle, riddle, question (like the answer is 85, what is the question), schedule for the period/day, etc. It is a great way to focus the students and get them settled in to a work routine.

3) Have a Techno Byte moment. Assign or have students sign-up to bring in and share a technology advancement or news byte. This weekly event can be a great way to discuss world events, advancements in technology, or simply make students aware to what is happening in the world around them.

4) Subscribe to one or many podcasts (National Geographic has some awesome ones that are really short and high interest for students- however PREVIEW the clips as some of these clips may have topics/images/language that may not be suitable for all ages).

I am sure that with the starter list your imagination will run wild! Remember, the goal is not get caught up in making everything interactive and technology saturated. Rather, the goal is to use the technology as little gems and jewels imbedded in your lessons that will help students refocus their attention at critical parts.

As always, let me know if you have furtre questions on this post OR if you have a specific question you would like answered. Also, if you would like me to review a technology product and post a review, please post a comment and I will get back with you promptly.

Just Teach It...