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My Concerns:

-I think that students sometimes (kids of all ages) can get distracted when it comes to using technology in the classroom. Students are now using technology more and more at a younger age. 2nd graders are already experts at operating smart phones and tablets. I think it it can be easy for them to get caught up in the idea using technology and not always end up using it appropriately. I'll have to make sure that I spend time going over with my students what appropriate use of this technology entails and help them understand the consequences of misusing it. -Some students may be more versed in technology than other and those students may struggle to pick up on some of the concepts at the same pace of some of the others. -Student's may not have access to the technology we use in the classroom at home. If an assignment or project is assigned that uses that technology they may not be able to work on it at home.



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Strategies for use in the classroom:

- The smart board is a great tool because I can monitor what the students are doing more than I would be able to if they were using a laptop or a tablet. I think using technology as a class is a great way to facilitate class discussion and participation and it allows those that may be a little more behind on how to use the technology to catch up by watching myself and their peers in a group setting. - Make sure I show the students that I can find ways to use technology in our everyday lessons and demonstrate proper use of that technology so I set a good example for them. Provide them with websites that they can use outside of school to practice both educational material and technology skills. - Give time to work on the projects during class and also after school so that those students without te materials at home have the proper time to get the assignment completed. Also make sure to let students know what resources are available in public settings outside the school like using the computers at the public library.

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Resources:

Tech Chicks Podcast- gives lots of resources and tips for including technology in the classroom in a safe and positive way. Can be found on Podcasts on Itunes.

http://www.teachersfirst.com/index.cfm - gives teachers lesson ideas for lesson plans that use technology, time saving tips, tips for working with parents, and even classroom decoration ideas.

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/ - includes educational podcasts for students and teachers to use in the classroom. There is a kid friendly web series that can be watched directly from the website. Also has lesson plans for every age group.

<span style="color: #10c188; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">http://www.freetech4teachers.com/ - This website has free downloads for teachers, google tutorials about technology, and blogs and other "favorite" resources for teachers to use.

<span style="color: #10c188; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0 - this has smart board lesson plans for all different subject areas. I think the smart board is one of the most versatile classroom technologies and having a source that gives lots of lesson plans to use with it can be really helpful.