Research

=Research=

**Research, Heather Hawkins** There is quite a bit of information on Smart Tables on the internet, but very few published peer-reviewed articles. One of the most helpful articles I found was called S’Cool Tools: 5 Great Tools by Maureen Yoder. Yoder (2009), comments on 5 “new” technologies that are engaging and fun ways for students to learn; the Smart Table is one of these 5. Because this article is 2 years old, much of the technology has been improved and the pricing is likely to have changed, but the information is straightforward and provides helpful background on the usefulness of this technology. The SmartTech website also provides a brochure, videos, and a “Special Report” on their technology at: http://smarttech.com/table. Reference: Yoder, M. (2009). S'Cool Tools: 5 Great Tools. //Learning & Leading With Technology//, //37//(3), 12-15. Available at: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=45615508&site=ehost-live SmartTech: []

__ Research __ by Mary Jackson

Microsoft PowerPoint is an effective tool to present information in a creative and engaging way. It was originally used in the business world but is now being used at all levels in the field of education. There is one note of caution, though. The key is for this powerful tool to be used properly. What is displayed must be carefully monitored. In addition, educators must make certain the primary focus remains on the content not the graphics. When used properly, PowerPoint can be an effective tool to replace outdated practices with a 21st century tool.

[|www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/]


 * Research by Omaima Khoury**

= Interview | Rohit Agarwal and Andrew Joseph: Getting TenMarks =

Posted on [|August 24, 2011]

Retrieved from: []

Answer all sorts of clarifying questions about who created it with background information, its cost, the options, and benefits, and what it does summarized as:


 * What does it do? What are the benefits?**
 * Aligned to state and common core standards
 * You customize to match your lesson plan
 * Interactive, effective and fun
 * Hints and video lessons help succeed
 * Easy to use saves time
 * Insightful reports


 * 1) Student activity and performance
 * 2) Support differentiated learning.

Kahan Handy

VoiceThread Overview



With VoiceThread, group conversations are collected and shared in one place from anywhere in the world. All with **no software to install**.

A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments in 5 ways - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). Share a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too.

Users can doodle while commenting, use multiple identities, and pick which comments are shown through moderation. VoiceThreads can even be embedded to show and receive comments on other websites and exported to MP3 players or DVDs to play as archival movies.

voicethread.com/

Use voice thread is a very effective way of transmitting information. The fact that it facilitates the use of images, documents and videos makes it a very effective classroom instruument.

Voice thread is student centered and allows teachers to interact with students in ways that will allow them to identify the hidden potentials in students that they may not have displayed under normal circumstances.

When students use voice thread their interest towards learning is heightend due to the level of excitment that is generated by its use.


 * Research - Debbie Harrar**

The two websites below are effective in describing the benefits of Webquests in the classroom. Webquests are perfect for integrating technology in the classroom. They are designed with a team approach that promotes collaboration, cooperative learning, critical thinking, and application of knowledge. Students gather information directly from the internet, but rather than “surfing,” they are navigating through a specially designed program that provides links and resources that help students reach a common goal or answer an established question(s). Students are provided with a clearly designed program which outlines the purpose, task, resources, process and evaluation rubric. Active student participation is promoted as students are involved in online research and discussion. Ultimately, they are engaged in 21st century learning that actively prepares them for the future.

[] - This website provides information on Webquests and how to get them started. In fact, there are free courses that teachers can take to design Webquests in the classroom. This is definitely something I would like to incorporate in my third grade classroom and share with my grade level team.

[]

The Wiki is a collaborative learning tool that I have very little experience with, but am excited to use. It’s a great way for teachers to share ideas, ask for suggestions / advice, and support one another. A class wiki would also be great for parents and students to share and interact with others in the class, providing help, suggestions, and support for each other. This may be a great way for families to share study tips, homework rules / ideas, projects, etc.