Using iChat in the Classroom!

          Teachers are constantly trying keep their students updated on what is happening around the world. It is very important for students to keep up on current events. Wouldn't it be fun to connect with people who know the most about a certain current event?
          After reading a story about using iChat in the classroom, I realized it would be possible to connect with other people all around the world. If you have never heard of iChat, it is a full screen video conferencing tool that allows people to talk to one another over the computer. For example, many riots were recently going on in Egypt. Students could use classroom to get on iChat and talk to children from Egypt to see how these riots have impacted their lives. Not only could you use iChat around the world, you could also use it throughout your school. Students could chat with eachother over the computer and collaborate on projects while being in different rooms.
          As a teacher, I could use i Chat to view other mentor teachers. By doing this, I could pick up on some teaching methods that could help me become a better teacher. Teachers are also using iChat with students who may have hearing impairements. A child with the disability could watch the lecture on the computer while an aid could guide them through the lesson slowly.

Image used with permission from Flickr.com by loudestnoise

Smart Table in the Classroom!

Recently, I have been very interested in the SMART products used in the classroom today. While looking through these products, I came across the SMART Table Interactive Learning Center. The SMART table is a great way to allow students to collaborate on one surface. The table allows multiple students to touch the screen and work together on the teacher's lesson. As a teacher, I would be able to download the ready made activities that come with the table. The SMART table comes with a toolkit that allows the teacher to customize the activities that you are able to download. Not only can a teacher create her own activities that will fit the needs of the students, but a teacher is also able to create an assesment that fits right along with the activity. I would love to have the SMART table in my classroom because I feel this is a very fun and entertaining way for students to work together. One of my main goals as a teacher is that students learn a lot, but have fun while doing it. This SMART table would definitely help me with my goal!

Image used with permission from: Flickr.com by kev_hickey_uk