Expertise in Technology Integration

Internet for Instruction: Pinterest

Integration Strategy - Art Instruction

Problem:

Teachers struggle in developing new projects, and creating fresh ideas that are different from the previous years.

Technology Description:

The name of the website is the perfect description of this website, Pintrest - 'Pin your interest.' This website is a compilation of ideas, interests, crafts, products, DIY-projects, the list goes on an on. Each user register to Pinterest can create different boards to 'pin' items that interest them and then the pins are organized for later review. Pinterest really is a great tool for teachers to find fresh new ideas, and creative projects that are simple and easy to complete in the classroom. Pinterest is also a collaborative community so teachers can share their ideas for others to see as well! If you are a teacher and you don't have a Pinterest account yet you really are missing out!

Relative Advantage

Instructors expand their teaching techniques, teachers gain inspiration for new classroom projects or assignments, new ideas help to increase student interest and motivation.

Expected Outcome

Student interest is increased, student motivation increases, teachers do not become discourage if a specific teaching method is not working, subject capacity expands.

Tools Software: AudioTool

Integration Strategy - Music Instruction

Problem:

Instructors are at a loss when trying to teach newer musical tools such as audio adaptation or alteration.

Technology Description:

AudioTool is a website that allows students to upload music and alter it using sound modification software; this includes mixing songs, adding effects, synthesizing, and amplifying. AudioTool incorporates a community aspect into their web application, allowing users to post their songs to the community where others can listen to the edited piece and provide advice. One great thing about AudioTool is that it is a free online tool, users are not required to pay monthly or annual user fees, this makes it a great tool for public school classrooms who often lack funding for advanced resources in this area.

Instructional Software: Virtual Music Instruments

Integration Strategy - Music Instruction

Problem:

Students desire to play an instrument, but are unable to due to the lack of resources provided by the school, or funding preventing the school from purchasing those items.

Technology Description:

It seems like almost every child has the desire to play some type of instrument, whether it be the drums, piano, guitar, or even a harmonica. Music provides children with a way of expressing themselves and connecting with others, they feel the power music has to evoke emotions. However, public schools do not often have an abundance of resources, which enable students to develop a variety of musical skills. The website Virtual Musical Instruments provides a great resource for school who struggle with this problem. It provides access to a variety of virtual instruments that students can use either in the classroom or at home to practice enhancing their skills. While playing a virtual instrument is not quite the same, a large amount of student interest in this area may prompt the school to seek funding for real instruments!

Relative Advantage

Enables students to learn instruments they may not otherwise been able to learn, interactive software provides interest and motivation for students to participate, materials are free and reusable, students develop skills they can use in future, student independence increases.

Expected Outcome

Students learn skills that will stay with them far into the future, student involvement and motivation increase, students develop independence and self-assurance of their capabilities.

Productivity Software: Kinder Art

Integration Strategy - Art Instruction

Problem:

Developing lesson plans that contain variety can prove difficult for instructors teaching different types of artistic skills.

Technology Description:

Trying to add variety into ones lesson plans can sometimes prove difficult. While the lesson content may be different each day the lesson format can become routine and teachers struggle with stepping outside of the box. Kinder Art is a great website for art teachers who are beginning to struggle with this problem. Kinder Art provides access to a variety of art lesson plans covering all different types of artistic content. The lesson plans are organized into categories of discipline, grade, and theme, making allowing teachers to access lessons quickly and easily.

Expertise in Technology Integration