Chemistry Sites

Another way to integrate technology into the classroom is by utilizing websites in your classroom (or computer lab). I've seen my mentor teacher do this two ways, send students in small groups to the library to work on Internet related assignments or take the entire class to the computer lab so they can all work on the same assignment at the same time.

Here are some useful sites I've been exposed to during student teaching:

http://www.chemtutor.com/

http://funbasedlearning.com/chemistry/chemBalancer/default.htm

http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=56

Feel free to post any other sites that you've seen that are helpful!

Classroom Technology... my favorite so far: smart boards

Wikipedia defines an interactive whiteboard as “a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger or other device. The board is typically mounted to a wall or floor stand. They are used in a variety of settings, including classrooms at all levels of education…”

Considering Wikipedia is open to opinion based explanations, I think this definition hits all the main points! Technology in classrooms is essential in my opinion; be it more student focused or teacher focused… either way it’s necessary and constantly evolving. I think smart boards (interactive white boards) are one of the many great ways to infuse technology into a classroom.

I have been exposed to three very different situations involving smart boards (interactive white boards) during my last few weeks as a student teacher:

A)    Promethean board which is utilized every day to the greatest of its abilities

B)    No smart board

C)    Smart board present, but only used to view movies

Remembering that I will be keeping my posts “negative vent free” I can say that I find it interesting that a smart board is not utilized when given to a classroom.

I think the key to utilizing technology is training on both the teacher and student’s end. Simply placing a technology device in a classroom does not mean it will strengthen a teacher’s ability to teach (or a student’s ability to learn). Just like teacher’s have to familiarize themselves with a new textbook or workbook chosen by the school/BOE. Teacher’s also have to familiarize themselves with the resources in their classroom (and beyond that anything that is available to them at their school). Teachers also need to share this knowledge with their students so that everyone can contribute to the learning process. Great ideas that strengthen a lesson come from teachers and students!

Hey!

So... the last few weeks have been exciting, confusing, rewarding, and stressful all wrapped up into one eventual first half of the fall semester. Each week I think to myself "I am one week closer to having my own classroom are getting to implement all the great things I've been exposed too". I am also thankful for my exposure to the less that wonderful teaching situations and approaches that I have witnessed throughout the last few weeks. Personally, I think learning can come from multiple sources... what to do along with what not to do!


Since we are all displaced through Atlanta and surrounding counties I thought this blog would be a good way for us to keep in touch and share the good, bad, and interesting (not ugly)! I have not listed any names or school system information and I think that is a good precedent for all of us to follow when posting and commenting. My intent is for us to learn and share, not to negatively vent about our situations. Even the worst situation should be a learning one... even if it's so hard to see the positive!

Hope you all enjoy the blog and good luck with your classrooms and mentor teachers!

Only 5 more weeks until winter break!
7 months until graduation!
10 months till we have classrooms of our own!