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Educators increasingly are looking for help in putting classroom technology to its best use. Many of them are turning to the Internet for that help. A wise choice! A growing number of Web sites offer knowledgeable and useful ideas, suggestions, lesson plans, activities, and resources for integrating technology into the curriculum, and using it to increase student learning. Whether you're a newbie or a technology guru, you'll learn something new at the featured sites below. Included: More than a dozen Web sites to help educators increase and improve technology integration.

Increasingly computers are being used to support learning in the classroom. Used effectively, computers can change the way we think and learn. But along with the technology, come issues such as how to best integrate it into the curriculum, Internet safety, access for all, and keeping up with the newest equipment. The following sites will give you some ideas and resources for using the technology efficiently in your classroom.

CyberSmart Curriculum
This free K-8 curriculum includes 65 standards-based lesson plans and activity sheets designed to teach "safe, responsible, and effective use of school technology." Lessons, which are aligned with ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), are grouped by grade level. The site also provides online professional development, classroom posters, and tips for parents.

INTIME
The INTIME project site provides research, information, and -- most notably -- online videos about integrating technology into research-based methods of teaching and learning. The videos currently available show expert teachers making technology an integral part of the learning process. Each video is accompanied by an overview, teacher interview, lesson plans, probing questions and standards. The video library can be searched by several criteria, including content area, grade level, teacher name, software, hardware, and more.

EduScapes
EduScapes offers a wealth of resources for teachers, parents, students, and, according to the site itself, "life-long learners of all ages." The site is designed to help connect Internet resources with all curriculum areas and to provide resources for teachers trying to integrate technology into their curriculum.

Computers for Learning
This U.S. General Services Administration site offers an opportunity for pre-K-12 schools to obtain surplus federal technology equipment, including computers, printers, modems, routers, servers, and more. The site also provides information on how to find assistance if computers require upgrading, how to contact volunteers with technical computer knowledge, and how to arrange for free shipping.

• Center for Applied Research in Educational technology
• Educational Technology Publications
• LOCATE (Locating Online Courses to Advance Technology in Education)
• Ozline
• Right in Class
• TASK (Technology Advancing Student Knowledge)
• Teachers First
• Technology Rubrics
• Webwatchers Science Guides

For even more great sites for computers, visit the Reference area of Education World's Site Reviews Archives.

Article by Hazel Jobe
Education World®
Copyright © 2003 Education World

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