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Web Watch:
Resources for Integrating Technology in the Classroom

If you are considering how you might integrate technology into your curriculum and classroom instruction, a visit to these Web site resources might prove useful. In addition to information about the value of integrating technology, you will find practical suggestions for instruction and resources for projects.

WWW 4 Teachers: Integrating Technology is a very accessible, straightforward, and uncluttered site from the South Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium. There are four tabs at the top of the screen that lead you to pages on integrating technology, tools, professional development, and stars (where you can read about what both teachers and students are doing). Make sure you check out Teacher Testimony. There is a wonderful collection of stories from teachers about their experiences with integrating technology. They talk about the use of specific technologies and share insights and ideas while making the process come alive.

Integrating Technology in the Classroom was created by an elementary educator in Lubbock, Texas, USA, for Texas teachers but has applicability on a wider level. It makes connections between curriculum and state standards, called the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). There are handouts and online presentations, as well as links to other helpful sites for teachers. There is also an archive of articles previously published on the site.

Integrating Technology in the Classroom is part of the school Web site for Loogootee Elementary West in Loogootee, Indiana, USA. These pages focus on using centers to integrate technology through a slide show of information. Classroom management and grouping and language arts activities are addressed. Check out the references, where additional links to resources are listed.

Microsoft in Education offers the “K-12 Connection,” an online monthly newsletter for educators. Although you will have to weed through the advertising for Microsoft products, some good resources for teachers are included. Check out “Classroom Corner” to see how other teachers are enhancing their curricula with technology.

Apple Learning Interchange also has a resource-packed Web site for educators. Take a look at “Lesson Plans,” which are grouped by elementary, middle, and high school. There is a section for each grouping devoted to language arts.

For more information on integrating technology, visit Integrating Technology in Your Middle School Classroom, Linda's article in this issue of Reading Online.

Linda K. Colburn
Chuck Kinzer

For an index of Electronic Classroom Web Watches, click here.