Flipcharts, Equations, and Quizzes...Oh My!

Promethean Planet offers numerous resources such as lesson plans, games, quizzes, forums, professional development and training. The software, such as ActivInspire, ActivPrimary and ActivStudio can be downloaded for creating lessons that can be utilized according to your lesson plans. Such technology has become so advanced that teachers and students are collaborating with others that are outside of their school system. Being involved in an engaged community is an essential condition for technology integration. Roblyer & Doering (2013) stated "technology has the most impact on achieving educational goals when schools involve the entire local community"(p.69).  Despite the positive results many have seen through the use of integrating technology in the classroom, funding for the needed equipment is a big issue. Some schools are overcoming this obstacle by going around the mountain and finding other strategies. "Strategies for optimizing available funds include competitive bids, scheduling hardware and software upgrades, using donated equipment, and using broken computers for spare parts"(Roblyer & Doering, 2013,p.67) Technology, even the most advanced, can be purchased or donated if there's a need shown (ex. Title 1 schools). "When schools and districts make hardware and software purchases, they are making cirricular decisions"(Roblyer & Doering,2013,p.67). For this blog, I chose the Promethen Planet flipchart on Mass, Weight, Volume & Density by Heather Wise. This flipchart utilizes ActivPrimary and ActivStudio, which encourages the students apply their knowledge through quizzes and games. Because of the significance of this material, the interactivities make it easier to comprehend. The Whiteboard software allows the users to add/edit the flipcharts based on the lessons or needs of their students. These software support tools will be essential in my classroom because it will allow me to create interactive lessons and exercises. "Whiteboard allows a teacher to develop a lesson that allows a student to move objects around on the whiteboard or touch the screen to select or enter an answer to a problem or question"(Roblyer & Doering,2013,p.147). The flipchart for this lesson is a good example of engaging students through the use of technology based on problem solving. It also allows the student to study at their own pace. These flipcharts that are downloaded are accessible to students whenever needed. It also allows teachers to effectively teach the students with learning disabilities. "Students depend on technology to compensate for vision, hearing, and/or, manual dexterity they need to read, interact in class, and do projects to show what they have learned"(Roblyer & Doering,2013,p.25). As a teacher, my goal is to make learning as enjoyable as possible, even through the most boring material. With the help of technology, I'll have more resources to use in class to keep them motivated and their interest peaked. Realistic pictures, equations explained, and quizzes included in my flipcharts will make it an enjoyable experience that they will carry with them.

http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/Resources/Item/34681/mass-weight-volume-and-density#.Vbbs6hNVikp

References:

Wise, Heather. (October 17, 2008). Mass, Weight, Volume & Density. Retrieved from Promethean Planet. http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/Resources/Item/34681/mass-weight-volume-and-density#.Vbbs6hNVikp. July 27, 2015.

Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. 6th ed. Pearson,Inc.