"The technology that has so dramatically changed the world outside our schools is now changing the learning and teaching environment within them." - National Education Technology Plan for the U.S. Department of Education

Technology can be a useful tool in the classroom. It does not mean that teachers need to abandon all of their current practices. Technology offers teachers a new outlet. It gives them new opportunities to reach all students and promote life long learning for all.

à It enhances the curriculum

à It increases flexibility of presentations

à Improves lecture

à It provides visualization in a variety of formats

à New skills for changing economy

à Improved communication

à Rich tools for learning

à Proven improvements in learning

à Opportunities for disabled

Technology in the classroom promotes an increase in writing skills; better understanding of math; the ability to teach others; and greater problem solving and critical thinking.

Professional development for teachers

A school system's most important asset is its teaching force. And, the most important investment a school board, administrators, and parents can make in a school system is to ensure that teachers continue to learn. Continuous, high-quality professional development is essential to the nation's goal of high standards of learning for every child.

Professional development is a continuous process of individual and collective examination and improvement of practice. It should empower individual educators and communities of educators to make complex decisions; to identify and solve problems; and to connect theory, practice, and student outcomes. Professional development also should enable teachers to offer students the learning opportunities that will prepare them to meet excellent standards in given content areas and to successfully assume adult responsibilities for citizenship and work.

1. Professional development should deepen and broaden knowledge of content.
2. Professional development should provide a strong foundation in the pedagogy (the correct use of teaching strategies) of particular disciplines.
3. Professional development should provide knowledge about the teaching and learning processes.
4. Professional development should be rooted in and reflect the best available research.
5. The content of professional development should be aligned with the standards and curriculum that teachers use.
6. Professional development should contribute to measurable improvement in student achievement.
7. Professional development should be intellectually engaging and address the complexity of teaching.
8. Professional development should provide sufficient time, support, and resources to enable teachers to master new content and pedagogy and to integrate this knowledge and skill into their practice.
9. Professional development should be job-embedded and site specific

Helpful links for Primary School

http://www.akidsheart.com/

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonsplans/

http://www.usingenglish.com/teachers.htm

http://lesson-plan-help-.suite101.com/

http://home.amonline.com/teacherstuff/

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk