how to integrate technology into our classrooms?

[Sue]

i teach english as a second language forgrades 7 and 8.....sometimes i feel that the lesson could be much more interesting and up to date....i try in include life related themes to whatever i am teaching 'n' want to integrate technolongy: use of computers as well as crtical thinking... so learners would be more involved in the learning process...so any ideas?

[Marie]

Try web quests! My kids love them.

[Unregistered]

Hello, I am from germany teaching English as second language,if you are interested I can find you pen pals for email partnership.Try it. It is fun and helps learning the language. Email me at cinderella_9@comundo.de
Heidi

[Unregistered-Jack Furr]

If you have funding you could try Qwizdom. See my other post under high school.

[AnneMcLn]

Hi,
It is important when you are trying to integrate technology into your classes to keep a couple of factors in mind. Technology should not be used just because you have been asked to use it. The lesson content should be planned in such a manner that the use of internet/computers is integral to the flow.(A good example would be the lesson plan on Energy Conservation in this link - http://www.nationmaster.com/lps/lesson_plan_Energy.htm). This lesson makes students research for data on the net without digressing from the topic.

Hope this will be of use to you.

Regards,
Anne

[sue]

I really wanted to thank you all for helping me out but now i don't seem to know what are webquests?
so can i have a more detailed idea about it?
thanks again

[BFeldman]

For theme-based Internet handouts that easily integrate into your existing curriculum, try the Surfnetkids Printables:
http://www.surfnetkids.com/printables-club.htm

[awaxler]

Here's an idea...

Why not integrate your ESL classes with not just Technology, but social studies as well.

You could have the students create brochures or newspapers using Microsoft Publisher on whatever topic they are studying in social studies.

For example, in NY in 7th grade we study the colonies. I break up my students into pairs and have them work together to create a brochure about a specific colony.

They can find info about the colony on the internet as well as pictures and copy and paste them into Publisher.

Hope that helps,
Adam Waxler
http://www.teaching-teacher.com

[Sue]

[QUOTE=awaxler]Here's an idea...

Thanks a lot for your idea, it actually worked out perfectly. They got really interesting material. Our next step is related to mythology. But i don't know how to channel it? DO you think i stick to our Egyptian myths or widen it to Greek ones, where they tell me the myth 'n' how it teaches us things??
I would really like to know your opinion on this?

Thank alot for the help

[Stuart Little]

http://iteslj.org/s/ib/index.html