For more information, contact Mr. McCarroll at sean.mccarroll@gpschools.org with your questions.

Technology can be intimidating, especially as "digital natives" (those who grew up with modern technology all around them) use such a wide array of technologies on a daily basis. No fear, however - it's not as complicated as it looks!

There's no need to fear technology in schools. With the proper training and appropriate applications, technology can be a powerful learning tool that will enable students to accomplish more than they ever could with traditional instruction (such as lectures).

Technology is an inherent trait in today's students. Children are exposed to technology at a young age, and it becomes a natural part of their daily life. For schools to remain relevant to our students, technology MUST become as important in schools as it is to our students outside of schools.

Today's students are digital natives (learn how to use technology as they learn how to do other things), whereas most parents are probably digital immigrants (have to learn how technology integrates with the way they already do things). The following slides will help explain a bit about how our students use technology at GPNHS.

Social media includes any websites that allow students to network with other people. Sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google Plus allow students to share information, thoughts, comments, pictures, resources/links, and video chat with classmates, teachers, or even people from across the world. Social media can enhance student learning by connecting them to a world of information and resources that cannot be found in every classroom.

Learning Management Systems are essentially online classrooms. They allow students to easily find resources and links, submit assignments, take assessments (quizzes and tests), participate in online discussions, and more depending on the individual LMS's features. Examples of LMSs include Edmodo, Moodle, Haiku Learning, and Schoology.

The "cloud" refers to any website that stores files and resources that can be accessed on any device. Student can use programs such as Google Drive and Evernote to take notes, write papers, brainstorm, work on projects, create presentations, analyze data, etc. online from any Internet-equipped device. Students can also share their files with others so they can collaborate on documents together.

The best way to learn is to experience it for yourself - check out any website discussed during this presentation to learn more about its features and how it can be used. Also, check out teachparentstech.org for helpful videos on tech basics.