Children's Literature

Read Virtual Reality & Beyond, by Charles Jortberg, to the students. Discuss with them how some of the examples of digital technology might be used in your classroom. Then have each student write a description of their classroom if five of the ideas were implemented, explaining how each would contribute to the education of the students. If they have time, they might add two or three others that would be fun, even if not directly educational.

Mathematics

Give students a specified amount of money and have them use fliers from local stores to search for best buys on computers, iPods, etc. Have them determine a number of ways to spend their digital tool budget.

Technology

In this activity, you will create student design teams who will produce 10 sketches and a final drawing of a handheld device that includes the functions that the students might want on their own digital handheld device (network connections, cell phone, music downloads, movies, etc.).

Members of student design teams should brainstorm ideas about the features they would want to have on their handheld device. One person in the team should write down the ideas generated. An Internet search of handheld communication devices and handheld entertainment devices must be encouraged. The technology seems to change daily! Students must factor cost, available technology and size into their design work. When the design teams have compiled their ideas, they must select the best idea. At this time, each member should make a series of 10 sketches of the handheld device. When all the sketches are completed, the students will compare their ideas to come up with the most feasible design. The team will then create a finished drawing that includes labeled parts, various functions and a short rationale for the design.

The culminating event for this activity is to have each team show their device and explain the functions that are found in their products. Student teams should evaluate each device. Another worthwhile activity is to have the design teams create a device using the best features presented from each handheld device.

Wellness

The physical education program at many schools uses technology too. Ask the physical educator at your school if you can borrow pedometers for you and your class. Have students keep track of their steps each day for a week. Challenge them to increase their step count (physical activity) every day.

Heart rate monitors also track levels of physical activity. Many middle and high schools have students use them to measure the intensity of their physical activity during physical education class. Ask the physical education teacher to visit your elementary class and give a demonstration.