Technology+Reflections

Technology Reflections Friday 5/20/11
 * Smart pen: This technology device is a pen that is capable of recording either the writer's voice or the teacher's voice as the pen is writing on a special notebook. The notebook records the notes and transfers it to the computer program so that you can keep a file of them on the computer. This allows the writer to listen to what was recorded as well as see what was written at the time of recording. There are a few ways that this device could be used in the classroom if the students are upper elementary and good writers. They could use it as part of a group project to record ideas to turn in so that I can see thier progress. Another way to incorporate it in the classroom would be to assign literacy centers and have students write on the special notebook that will be transferred to my computer. This will make grading easy and paperless for me and I can be incorporating technology all at the same time.




 * Leapfrog LeapPad: The Leapfrog LeapPad is a technology device that involves educational games for grades K-5. It comes with different books that you can insert into the holder and the student uses the special pencil that comes with it to point-click on certain things on the pages to play the games and do the activities. One activity I tried involved reading along with a story as it read it aloud and then I was asked to answer questions by pointing to words in the text. Another one was a math game that involved counting toppings on pizza and using those numbers to make number sentences. I could use the Leapfrog Pad in my classroom during literacy or math centers and students could rotate in groups to this as one of the centers. It is a device that is appealing to students because it allows them to control the game or activity. It is appealing for teachers because it is a fun and creative supplement to have their students practice on the things they have been learning in class.


 * iPad: The iPad is a touchscreen computer pad that can be filled with all sorts of applications, games, and programs. Any grade level could interact with this device because it is very easy to navigate and the touchscreen makes it simple and appealing to use. This device is also useful because it can connect to the internet and allows browsing, videos, and many other things to be pulled up on it. A teacher could use this device in class as a center when doing math or literacy centers with smaller groups of students. If a teacher has access to many iPads, they could use them more frequently because more students would be able to be involved in interacting with them during an activity or lesson. Students would also need basic training on how to use the iPad and how to carefully handle it.

 Monday 5/23/11
 * Smartboard: The Smartboard is a very helpful technological device that teachers can use every single day while teaching lessons and doing activities in the classroom. A Smartboard is a touchscreen type of whiteboard, but it offers many things for teachers to do on it besides simply writing. By using the Notebook program a teacher can develop an entire lesson plan that is interactive with students and fun for the whole class. You can include interactive games, maps, graphs, pictures, sound, and links in Notebook presentations to use on the Smartboard. While teachers are going through their presentation, they can pick up a Smartboard pen and write on it or ask a student come and write an answer on the board. The touchscreen allows teachers to facilitate activities and games into learning with the entire classroom while each student comes to the board to answer questions, play a part in the game, or even participate in races to the Smartboard.

 Wednesday 5/24/11


 * iMovie/Video Recording: iMovie is a program on computers that allows you to upload video recordings and edit it. Students would first use a video camera to get video footage for a project or assignment in class and then upload it to their computers to begin editing. After teaching them a few things about the iMovie software, students will be able to edit their videos and add things like music, words, and graphics to their work. This software could be used in the 3rd grade classroom for group projects, home projects, or any assignments to allow students to show creativity and to have fun.

 Thursday 5/25/11


 * Kidspiration: Kidspiration is a downloadable software that is very kid-friendly and educational for the classroom. On this software, kids can make concept maps to show their knowledge, brainstorm, or complete various activities assigned in class. It is fun because they can add pictures and captions as well as writing to describe their concept map. Another option that teachers have with Kidspiration is to have students do the many activities that include all subjects. Lastly, teachers can also create their own activities to incorporate into lesson plans and activities for their classes.

Technology Discussion Panel 6/2/11 Today Clarice and Ms. Hightower came to talk to us about how they use technology in the classroom and to answer our questions we had for them. Some things that they said surprised me and I thought would be different. One thing was when Clarice said they tried doing everything on the computer and using technology for everything instead of using textbooks. It surprised me that a teacher would be allowed to use technology to that extent. It also was interesting that she said that the students didn't learn very much or do very well on tests during that period of her teaching. Another thing that is different than I would think is realizing that if technology is down it will not always be fixed very rapidly. I was surprised to know that a technology class can survive an entire year without computers working. A challenge they talked about was kids being on facebook, game websites, hacking computers, and any other distractions while you are trying to teach with technology. I would handle this by blocking all websites that I can and to have major consequences for students who violate the rules. I know it is hard to stay on task in school when there is so much else they could be doing, but if it is a rule, they are not allowed to break it. Another challenge they talked about was if a computer, program, projector, or any technology source you may be using for the lesson crashes during the day or during the lesson I would have to have a back up plan. This would involve me needing to have back up lessons, hard copies of things, and being very flexible throughout the day. I would hope to be prepared if any of this happened. There are many things that I can take away from Clarice and Ms. Hightower. One thing I can take away is to always be learning things, researching, and figuring out technology on my own. I need to know that the school I work at may not always prepare me for what I need to know. Another thing I will take away is to always be flexible because things mess up and kids will always be kids. The last thing I am going to take away from them is to remember not to overly use technology in the classroom because there are many things students need to learn without the use of technology.