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March 5, 2010
Technology's Potential in the Classroom
By Cindy Ivanac-Lillig
In the process of cleaning my desk, I found a really interesting article (amazing what cleaning will do) that introduced me to the Intel Teach website. It offers teachers on-line training on how to incorporate project-based technology into their classrooms. I think it could help a lot of teachers who are currently feeling like they are forcing in technology so that they can mentally check that box, but are really not using it to its fullest potential.
As you may or may not know, the Chicago Fed sponsors a project-based, academic competition called the Fed Challenge, that emphasizes teamwork, presentation skills, fundamental economic theories, and a deep knowledge of macroeconomic data. This last piece of the program has really changed a lot in the last decade. Now, not only can students get data, but they can manipulate data quickly, get expert opinions on the data, and even ask questions of experts via email and get the answers in time for their presentations! Many may argue that students don't have to do as much now, but quite frankly, it seems to me they have to do more -- as there are many more avenues for their fellow competitors to get an edge. Information moves faster and hence more is expected.
As a teacher, this is exciting because in some ways independent and critical thinking have more opportunity to be exercised in this type of environment. The trick is how to incorporate this fast-paced technology into the classroom when we are sometimes not as comfortable with it. Here is where Intel Teach comes in. Intel has dedicated a significant amount of resources in the education field and this is a perfect fit for them.
I usually write blogs on economic topics and/or economic education opportunities, but this is one that I think could really help bring to life one thing that economics has going for it in the classroom -- real data on real life events. The way I see it (or what I hope) is that technology will allow us to breathe life into a highly theoretical subject that just may spark some interest in students. That is pretty exciting!
If anyone has any information on this particular program, please post below. In addition, if anyone does project-based economic projects in their classroom, I am sure we would all like to read about it.... please consider sharing
Posted by Cindy at March 5, 2010 10:43 PM
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Hey dude, Steve here Keep em coming you are doing a great job with this particular blog, inspiring many newbies much like me cant tell you how much I appreciate all you do! Steve
Posted by: Dwain Yago at November 3, 2011 12:11 PM
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