Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum

In reading the chapter on Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum, I began to understand what the terms in technology mean. Many of the terms I have heard before but had no idea what it was. Simple terms that people expect everyone to know for example like PDF, HTML, JPEG, GIF, Java, and plug-ins. The explanations of these terms have helped me better understand the world of technology.

Another area in which I gained knowledge was in the integration strategies used to implement technology in the classroom. Strategies include promoting activities and projects that provide rich resources and other learning experiences. Web-based projects and activities provide support for children’s research, motivate writing, practice literacy skills, visual learning, problem solving, collaborative skills and multicultural experiences. There is a whole wide world out there awaiting children’s curiosity and discovery. We, as classroom teachers, need to insure the best possible learning experiences and provide real and meaningful experiences. I have learned that I need to become more computer literate so I can provide learning that is exciting and highly motivational to entice children to want to seek knowledge. Computers can be accessed in the classroom to provide electronic penpals or keypals, provide electronic mentoring, vertical field trips, electronic publishing, group products, problem-based learning which can motivate collaborative learning and encourage social action or social justice projects. What a wonderful learning opportunity to provide to children and teach them to take action in making this world a better place in which to live. Technology can be used to enrich any subject, from science, social studies, math, history and geography to literacy and reading.

I know I am learning things that I can implement into my classroom. Technology has transformed learning in today’s society. Our students are very lucky to have rich technology to enhance learning, and make knowledge come alive! How exciting to be a teacher exposing children to great learning opportunities using technology in the curriculum.