Familiar+With+Technology?

As educators, sometimes it is difficult to find technology activities that interest as well as teach students. On this page, a few common questions about relating children to today's technology will be answered. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy reading about education!

 Q: What type of technology should today's elementary school students be familiar with? A: Young students are already familiar with many different types of technology, having likely been exposed to a computer at home or within their community. Usually, students from grades 2 through 5 will already know how to operate a computer, search the Internet, navigate through Web sites, pull up videos, play different types of computer games, use software like Microsoft Word or Power Points, and access anything from televisions to stereos.

Q: How can teachers help maintain their student's attention during technological presentations? A: Because younger student's attentions are harder to keep than older student's attentions, elementary school kids are attracted to technology with colorful pictures and interactive activities. If a teacher lectures them continuously, they will daze off within the first ten minutes. Teachers must know how to use and operate technology in the classroom such as television DVD players, computer software, and the overhead on-screen presenter. With smaller children, the key is to involve them with the activity. Know how to use your equipment and use it wisely. Put vibrant pictures on the screen that will capture the eyes of your students. Put computer noises on slides that will surprise your students. Involve students in questions that have to do with the program. Use your imagination.

Q: What do computer games offer students? A: We all know that video games are a child's best friend. However, some of these games are actually great for their intelligence. Educators and education companies alike have created different computer and video games that enhance a child's brain activity and allow them to learn and play at the same time. Certain games improve typing speed while others teach children to spell better. Some teach students about grammatical structure or improve the way they speak. The options are endless, the teacher just has to find the right game.

Q: Should I involve my student's with blogs and other social networking sites? A: First of all, a teacher must always ask the school's permission if they are not sure if a project is appropriate. The school sets the rules. But if the school says yes, blogs and social networking sites can help students learn more about the Internet's many perks. It is possible that your student already knows or owns one of these sites, such as Myspace or Blogger. Make it a project out of it, something interesting that will enrapture the students. I have a friend who assigned all his students a president. All the students had to make a Facebook page for that president, filling in all appropriate sections like 'About Me' or 'Date of Birth.' The students had a fantastic time learning about history with that project. If you put the thought in, you can create a project that will help your students succeed in learning.

 On the next page, you will find activity ideas for Elementary School students of all grades. Feel free to explore a few of them and use them in your lesson plans. I know I will. **Activity Options Galore** **Take Me Home**