Technology Infused Classroom

Technology Infused Classroom

Retrieved from http://www.fcps.edu/SunriseValleyES/tech/technew.htm

Picture this:  A room where every child has a laptop.  They come into the room and sync with the teacher as they have brought their laptops from home with their homework completed the evening before.   The students viewed a few sites I had put on our classroom website for them to explore.  They needed to list one or two questions on the site that they wondered or would like to find the answers to.  I have access to technology remotely while moving around the classroom and engaging students.  Students are grouped by ability for some group activities in Reading and homogeneous groupings for other projects and activities.  There is a blog for students to interact about books they are reading or class topic discussions.  I am able to work individually or with small groups to help those who are struggling.

Due to cost issues and internet access ability some of the above may not be as feasible as pictured above.  Some students do not have access or equipment available.  Some districts do not have the funds to offer one-to-one computer access to their students.  Even still there is much that can be done to infuse technology into what we are teaching today.

 Every person and student of course we all know learns differently. Over the years of teaching and professional development opportunities we hear of differentiated instruction and work on reaching each one of our students so that no child will be left behind. Our world is changing and children's brains are developing differently than in the past. On top of that technology changes even more quickly than we as humans do. We need to keep up with those changes and teach children so that they will be able to utilize these new technologies.  Education and learning are much more effective if students internalize and desire that knowledge. If we are to continue and develop students desire to learn then we need to integrate technology throughout the day and teach students how to problem-solve and think critically about what they learn.

Teaching with PowerPoint helps draw the learner into the lesson with pictures and media.  I have found something new with Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010.  It is called Mouse Mischief.  Students may interact with the PowerPoint lesson using wired or wireless computer mice.  WebQuests allow students to search and learn with guided direction in the way of linked sources that are set up ahead of time and viewed by the teacher for safety.  Programs like Kidspiration help students in planning before writing stories or reports.  Students may then write their stories using a Word Program.  SkyDrive  is a software utility that has a word processing program and presentation software.  These are free to use and you can store files for easy retrieval later.  Students can work on assignments and won't have to worry about forgetting their work at home.  They just log in at school and work from school, then go home and work at home.  They may also collaborate with other students from home to work on their projects, activities, or assignments.

Image retrieved from http://www.westnet.com/~crywalt/unfold.html  

To integrate and infuse technology in my classroom means making the technology available and guiding my students on how to use this technology safely.  As I add new technology and utilize what I have my students learn to be involved and make choices in their own learning.  Even if they are only in Second Grade.  I want my students to have access to the world!

 

Retrieved November 19, 2012, fromret http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ySocUyI7I