Technology
There are so many ways to bring technology into the classroom. Obviously it is a bit limiting when you are not provided with computers or accessories by your school. The first step is obtaining these tools. I recommend checking out www.freecycle.org. This organization has local 'chapters' of people connected by an e-mail list that is hosted by yahoo. You can send out an e-mail asking for computers, printers, ect. and people will offer to donate them to your classroom. I have received two laptops and several desktop computers this way. They will probably be older models, but even those work well if they have a way to connect to the internet and a working cd-rom.
Once you've gotten your technology, you can find many free samples of great software on the internet. You can also use freecycle to obtain cd-roms of children's programs. There are also many great websites that host educational games, although these are not useful if you do not have an internet connection.
Kidspiration- Created for K-5 learners, Kidspiration develops thinking, literacy and numeracy skills using proven visual learning principles. In reading and writing, Kidspiration strengthens word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. With new visual math tools, students build reasoning and problem solving skills.Smarter Kids Foundation- Apply to have your class participate in this fantastic international technology-based program. Sixth grade classrooms will be awarded a SmartBoard and tele-communication hardware so they can communicate with classrooms around the world. Select students will be invited to meet at the end of the program, all expenses covered by Smarter Kids.
Discovery Education Grant- Enter to win a $40,000 wireless computer lab.