The Future of Educational Technology

If I had to pick one thing that I learned this semester and cal it the most important thing I learned in this class it would be educational technology. Nowadays all students use technology in someway or another. As teachers it is important we incorporate technology into our classrooms. We must conform with the new fads which now and its not going anywhere is technology. I was introduced to many new different online educational tools this semester. A few of my favorite educational technological tools include ThingLink, Kahoot! and Glogster.

ThingLink has been my favorite tool to use this semester. With each preceding ThingLink I created it it got better than the last. ThingLink is a create tool to use as a study guide. You can include the key concepts from a unit and add videos as well as images that correspond. It is a way to save paper and students can access it from home which gives them no excuse not to study! ThingLink is also a great way for students to present a project especially a group project. ThingLink can have many editors that way more than one person can work at the same time. At the same time the students work, the teacher is able to add commentary.

Kahoot! is another tool I enjoyed using this semester. I had seen Kahoot! in the past, but was always too nervous to give it a try until now. Kahoot! is an online tool to create fun learning games such as surveys, quizzes and discussions! Everyone in the classroom is able to respond at the same time at their own pace, but it can get competitive. Kahoot! times how quickly you answer the question and ranks you based on your speed. This is a great way to create a positive attitude towards quizzes as well as create friendly competition within the classroom. The best part about Kahoot! is it's FREE!!!

The third tool i enjoyed using this semester is Glogster. Glogster is an online tool that allows you to create interactive posters, complete with text, images, graphics, audio and video. Glogs can be used to present lessons complete with links to outside resources, with audio and videos related to the subject and topic. Glogs support and meet the needs of special education, general education and ELL students. Glogs are a fun way to learn and engage students in learning. Glogs can sustain the students' attention for longer periods of time and stimulate creativity.