Summary

8th Grade Technology Day Summary Statement [[image:techjug.gif width="240" height="351" align="right"]]
In creating the 8th grade technology day, we used a variety of technologies in order to improve our students' 21st century skills. Our goal, in using a common focus of Native Americans was not only to help our students become more familiar with various forms of technology, but also to show how interlinked each of the subject areas and technologies can be.

In using some of the tried and true forms of technology such as spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel), word processing software (Microsoft Word), and the Internet (including online databases), we sought to expose students to technology we know they will be responsible for knowing and understanding in the future. We were eager to provide them with opportunities to continue to improve their skills in these technologies so that they become greater problem solvers in the future.

Through our new and innovative forms of technology such as Bubbl, Glogster, movie editing software (IMovie, Moviemaker, etc.), Itunes, we sought to expose our future world leaders to some of the technology that will become more ubiquitous as they become older. Much of this new technology will contribute to their creative and innovative thinking--skills that will prove not only helpful, but also necessary in the coming era of increased technology.

It will be imperative for our students to improve skills such as communication and collaboration--working in groups with the technology and being asked to make presentations using the technology (or, in some cases, about the technology) will certainly augment these skills.

Finally, we believe that the higher-level thinking skills involved in the assignments created for our technology will encourage development of both critical thinking and problem solving. In most cases, students are given a great deal of choice for their assignments--which certainly breeds critical thinking as they determine their approach. Additionally, students will need to work independently and in groups to troubleshoot possible issues with technology--or even with group work. This will improve their skill-set in problem solving as they become responsible young adults and eventually adults.