Technology is a wonderful tool for every type of student. Different types of technology can improve student learning and help with teacher instruction. Technology is used every day in my classroom. I teach in a STEM school and have always enjoyed incorporating technology into my everyday lesson plans. I am also constantly searching for new ways to use technology in my classroom. I search for any way I can make learning more interactive and easier for my students. Something that I do well with technology in my classroom is exposing my students to different types of technology. This year I was able to get a Smart Board and document camera in my classroom. This has unleashed unlimited amounts of resources and a variety of ways to teach my students. My students also know how to use the Smart Board and document camera. My students use the Senteo remote systems that go along with the Smart Board. They are able to log on and participate in review sessions using the remotes. Finally, I use the classroom computers during guided reading and math stations each week. My students are able to log on the computer and complete sessions on Compass Odyssey or math websites for extra practice with the lessons we are learning.
There are several things that I do not do right while working with technology in my classroom. First, my students are not very good at typing. It is hard to find time to teach my students how to type and give them practice at typing. I would like for my students to know how to type so they would be able to type their writing. Also, I do not use enough computer programs to help students with reading and writing. The book listed multiple websites as resources for students to help with differentiated instruction. There were multiple websites to help challenge my gifted students and help the low students with extra practice. I would like to send these websites home too so my students could use them with their parents.
Even though we are a STEM school, we are limited in several of the resources that we could have. I would like to write grants or talk to my administrators about getting better technology resources for our students. All of the teachers need Smart Boards and it would be great to get more digital camera, ipods, etc. in the classroom for our students to use. I would also like my students to do more research and present information using the computers and computer software. Instead of completing a written project, my students could complete a timeline using Powerpoint or Photostory. I would like to give my students more opportunities to show what they have learned through technology.
I would love to have some iPods in my classroom as well! Just think, students could take pictures, create videos, play educational games, and even listen to music that enhances your curriculum....all with one little tool. They could upload their work to create Power Points or Photostories.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I get frustrated when I realize what is out there for teachers to use when we are on such a limited budget. Grant writing seems to be one of the only ways to get those things that we want these days.
I have a SMART board in my room, but not a document camera. I would love to hear about how you use it in your room!