Bloom's Taxonomy

This is a great tool to use when creating units in the classroom. It has a way of molding all of the pieces together in order to create a complete final product. Bloom's Taxonomy is something that has just recently been revised to better fit the digital age. This new revised, framework is a great starting ground for any teacher to begin working on units. It does a great job of giving a sort of step by step process for integrating technology into the classroom. With the six different levels, students' knowledge and level of development is challenged and pushed in order to help them become better students while using technology. It also does a great job in enforcing other ways of gathering information instead of always 'Googling' every topic. Some of the other sources it discusses include blogs and wikis which I have found to be very useful and helpful sources when researching given topics.

Whether the topic be about insects or sailing, there are many ways to search and gather information and Bloom's Taxonomy is a great way to discover some of those new ways. Bloom's Taxonomy and the Digital World is a great website that gives a lot of background information about Bloom's Taxonomy as well as links to the PDF files that contain more detailed information and specifics about the taxonomy.

Image used with permission from Pics4Learning

Promethean Boards

Promethean Boards are a great tool for students to use to help them assist themselves with their own learning. The traditional blackboard gives students a 2-dimensional look and can only display a small amount of information for the students to view. The Promethean Board allows students to learn in a whole new way. Each can interact with the board in order to aid their learning.

I have seen and used the Promethean Board in a second and third grade special education classroom and have seen the impact this type of technology in the classroom can make on the learning of individuals. This type of learning enables students to look at their learning in a new way. Worksheets and websites can be pulled up onto the board much like a projector, but with the use of the pen, each worksheet can be interactive. The idea of drawing or writing on each of the worksheets to help students work through each unit is something that students seemed to enjoy.

A Promethean Board is definitely something I would like to have in my Special Education classroom one day. This board is something that can help students no matter their age or ability. The website Promethean Planet is a great resource for those who are looking into getting a Promethean Board and gives helpful facts and useful information. Also, 2010 US Video Contest captures the Promethean Board in action and also shares what some students think of this type of technology in the classroom. The following video is one that demonstrates the use of a Promethean Board and shows students using the board in their classroom.



Image used with permission from Pics4Learning