Student+Engagement

=//Student Engagement //= // Instructional technology is a teaching method which incorporates using various technological tools to enhance teaching and learning. The use of technology enriches lessons, helps foster communication, and usually makes learning more appealing to various learning styles. It includes creating an engaging classroom climate to involve students in active learning. It must also support the four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction with feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine as well as transparent and when technology supports curricular goals //.  || //T echnology integration involves the practice of using technology in ways that are both curriculum-based and future-oriented. I focused on meeting content objectives within the "three Cs": communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. It also requires that attention be given to preparing students for their future. Activities which integrate computers into the classroom are the first steps to technological literacy: the use of tools to solve problems. By incorporating technology into lessons, students will become more engaged in and excited about the subject at hand. I consider these two lessons my best examples of instructional activities with student engagement because I first looked at the previous lessons and chose lessons which could use a technological boost. Many pencil and paper activities can easily be adapted to word processing, or drawing. I integrated tools that would make learning more exciting, interesting, and relevant for students. Quality software can allow students to practice curriculum skills. Students often become engaged learners when technology is a seamless part of their curriculum. //     || 
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 // There are many different ways to integrate technology into a second grade classroom. In addition, technology use should support both students and teachers. The use of technology in a classroom can help support the vast differences of learning styles for both students and teachers. It can help to motivate students and gain a student's attention. A teacher can use technology as an instruction tool, to help assist in presentations and lesson planning. A student's technology capabilities are becoming more important, so incorporating technology at a young age will help those students in the future. Technology can play an important role in increasing students’ motivation to learn, in helping learners to visualize problems, solutions, and critical thinking. It should be something students learn with, not from. It is not the computer alone that will impact learning, but the shift towards student-centered classrooms with more project-based activities, opportunities for collaboration, and co-operation on life skills. Good teaching combined with appropriate and effective uses of technology makes for a dynamic learning environment. // || 
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