Best+Examples+of+Instructional+Activities+with+Student+Engagement+through+Technology

**Description of Project**  Instructional Applications of Technology (our course title) is an equivalent phrase to technology integration and instructional technology. The simplest "definition" is using technology to achieve an instructional objective or outcome. This can be as simple as a drill and practice program where the learner develops a specific skill, such as, arithmetic facts or multiplication facts to more complex simulation and graphing software where higher order thinking skills are used to solve complex mathematical equations in authentic problem solving. Based on your classroom experiences and the material you have reviewed in this course so far, what are your two best examples of instructional activities with student engagement through technology (that you do, you have seen, you have heard / read about, or you want to do)? Complete the Word form located in View / Complete Assignment by writing a short description for each example, then submit.

In my kindergarten classroom I use computers in order to integrate technology. I use programs and games that reinforce skills that have been learned in small group instruction. The activities I have chosen to submit are computer centers that focus on skills that are part of our kindergarten curriculum. The children enjoy using these programs and games and are able to independently practice skills they have learned.  My first example of student engagement through technology is an independent computer center I have set up for the students during math centers. We learn new skills during small group instruction. Students visit centers independently after meeting in teacher group to practice the skills they have learned. The new computer program that we have started using has games/programs that address each skill we learn. As the teacher, I can choose what games/programs they will use each day. That also helps me differentiate for the needs of my students. It is an excellent way for the students to enjoy math, and practice skills independently. 
 * Activity 1**

 My second example of student engagement through technology is also an independent computer center. The Jan Brett website not only provides a complete list of all of her books with an "All About" write-up for each one, but also educational games that help with visual memory and beginning sounds. This is especially helpful for struggling students who often get frustrated with writing or group games. They find this to be a fun way to practice much needed skills without the pressure of having to perform well in front of their peers. As an additional bonus, this website provides printables for teachers to use and activities that go well with her stories. 
 * Activity 2**

These activities were easy to choose because they are centers I use daily that the students really enjoy. They may seem simple, but they are extremely beneficial to me in my kindergarten classroom. I can go into the math program after students have completed centers to see their scores and get an idea of how well they are grasping the concepts I am teaching.In reading, the Jan Brett website can also be used when we do author studies. The students are able to recognize her stories when we read them aloud because they have seen her characters on the website. Like the math program, this website is a way to help students independently practice skills we have learned in teacher group and have fun doing it. 
 * Process for Selecting These Technology Activities**

media type="file" key="Laura Glessner-Podcast of Instructional Activity with Student Engagement through Technology.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * Audio File**

This activity really made me think about the technology I used in my room and how I could bring in more technology. I really enjoy the new computers I have, the programs I am fortunate enough to have for them, and the fact that they are internet accessible. However, after reading about other classroom technology, I have several ideas for things I would like to try and persuade our school system to purchase for us. Technology is now incorporated into almost everything we do. Students should start using many forms of technology even in the early grades, especially in the early grades. I will also continue to use computers as an independent center and would like to explore more websites to find interesting ways for the children to learn in all subjects.
 * Reflection**