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

= Summary: =  This assignment allowed for each student in the course to submit what they felt were the two best examples of instructional activities that allow for student engagement through the use of technology. Students were to include examples that they either use or would like to use in the near future.

Instructional Applications of Technology (the course title of EDT 6010) 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.

**-**JavaScript Practice Problems -Teaching 4-digit Place Value via Mimio -ELMO to show student work samples -Computers as a station during small group reading -Mock trainers from LJ Technology Systems for use as an automotive tutorial prior to being allowed to work on cars -Virtual Business Personal Finance Simulation -Using Excel to reinforce concepts learned in business class -Student Voting System -BrainPop interactive website to reinforce or introduce concepts -SmartBoard
 * Examples from fellow EDT 6010 students:**

 First I determined the criteria for an activity to qualify as a //Best Instructional Activity.// The activity must: *require student engagement
 * Process:**
 * allow for students to develop their 21st Century skills by using technology
 * be easy to incorporate into every day instruction (or at least frequent)

The __first__ activity that I chose was the WebQuest-



Awesome Element Project. This activity was chosen because it required student engagement with the technology from start to finish. Not only did it require the student to use the internet and computer it also required that the student locate information (via the WebQuest links) and then utilize that information. The end product for each student was a short, one-page, written paper in additon to a 12+ PowerPoint that would would be presented to the class. This type of activity could easily be used once or twice per marking period.

The __second__ activity chosen was the ELMO Lab Demo-

The ELMO Lab Demo is the easiest and most time-effective way of presenting students with proper use of lab equipment and or the correct way to conduct a lab. With the help of ELMO, we are now able to provide our students with the lab materials (if we have enough) and demonstrate to the entire class via our overhead LCD projector onto our large screen while they are able to manipulate the lab equipment individually (or in pairs) at the lab tables. This has reduced misunderstandings of instructions and equipment breakage while increasing student understanding and creating a better learning environment for all. In addition, many of my students' legally bound accommodations are met through the use of these visual representations and modeling. This again, is a method that we are able to use on nearly a daily basis and requires student engagement throughout the process.

// If you would more information on my examples check out the following links! // media type="file" key="Audio of Best Examples.mp3" width="211" height="38"My Awesome Element WebQuest

I enjoyed this project because it allowed me to share what I felt were my best uses of technology in the classroom. In addition to this, I was able to read about all of my classmates' favorite examples of student engaging technology. From this activity I have gained new ideas that I may try in the classroom. For example, I really liked the idea of the Student Voting System. If you own the software and a class-set of remote controls you are able to post a question and each student can provide the class with their answer. This allows for all students to participate without fear of embarrassment as the results are anonymous. I hope to obtain a grant for this technology in the near future.
 * Reflection:**