I want my classroom to be based around the Dr. Seuss quote, "the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." I plan on incorporating this idea by having an "airport lounge" for the students to read in. I will encourage them to mark on the classroom map the different places they have visited while reading their books. Students will work in groups named after various airlines. Assignments will focus on what the students have learned from their travels. The reality of students seeing new places and learning new things will strongly depend on the use of technology in the classroom.
As mentioned in both the article "Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?" and the "Technology Integration" video on Edutopia, technology allows for the student-teacher relationship to become stronger. The teacher takes on a facilitator/coach role and the student is able to take ownership of their learning by creating. Almost all educators have struggled with students' engagement while still successfully meeting different educational objectives. If all of the available technological resources and tools were used students and teachers would be more satisfied with their learning.
Personally, I can see myself using endless technological resources in the classroom. I would like to have a classroom website with a calendar, blog, pictures, and links so that my parents are aware of what is happening in my classroom. This website will also provide more opportunities for student learning through educational links related to the content we are currently studying. I want to have consistent, technology routines in my classroom too. Allowing students to use Google Docs to peer edit will be an engaging tool for them. I have also seen other teachers use Google Forms to have students complete weekly "check-ins" with their teacher to see how they are doing academically and personally. Students can use the internet to research and make presentations on various authors and settings. I have also seen several graphic organizers inspired by technology, such as a Facebook profile page for a character. Interactive activities would be possible through the use of a SmartBoard and other technology where I can post grammar exercises for students to practice and show their skills. Students could interact with other students from different cultures through online pen-pals. Using various sites and videos would promote reading and specific books. I can trust that my students will also be creative on ideas for other curriculum ideas including reading comprehension, vocabulary, oral presentations, and any other component evaluated by SOLs or Common Core State Standards.
It is obvious that using technology in the classroom only allows my students to learn, read, and travel more!
