Article #10 Reflection

OSPI Dealing with Free Technology

I love that OSPI has a few free technology links that are useful to teachers. I really liked the storyboards, especially the Storybird link. I think that I would use this in my classroom for different grades. Young kids, could read through simple stories online. The images are bright and colorful and you can chose text by age. Also, older students could begin writing their own short stories. They could learn about writing a story and about choosing pictures that relate. Students could then share their stories with each other by viewing them on the computer or other device.

I also would use Apple iMovie in my classroom. I want students to be able to document their year and then make it in to a movie for an end of the year event to show them what they all accomplished. Students would be able to take movies throughout the year of different projects, outings, or other events. Each student would have a chance to capture different moments. Also, it would be great for students to put on a play and then create a whole movie, even if it is just a few minuets long. Students could take pride in their actions and this would be something they could keep for a long time.

I also liked the site about creating a graph. It would give students another way to understand the concept and have a fun time learning. Its pretty basic, but it would be a good introduction to different types of graphs.

Article #9 Reflection

Mesa 'basics' schools offer traditional low-tech learning

 This school seems to run very well and effectively. The students seem to be learning at an amazing rate and the school's test scores show that. Kids seem to be just fine without the latest technology being used constantly in the classroom. The students at this school seem to like going there and the parents are eager to have their kids attend the school. The waiting list is long and I found it interesting about the number of students that do attend the schools. 

It was really interesting that the kindergarten students were already at a first grade level when they were going to enter the first grade. Students were at least a grade level ahead of the grade that they were really in. If students can be this far advanced, then the teaching at this school must be extremely good. The education that students are receiving is causing the kids to be far ahead of their fellow peers at other schools. 

It just goes to show that even if classrooms don't have technology all throughout their daily lessons.

Article #8 Reflection

Teachers Are Using Kinect for Xbox 360 to Engage Students and Bring Learning to Life

I can see using the Kinect in certain situations, because it does engage students and it excites them. When children are excited about learning, they will better understand and want to learn more. Kids love playing on the Xbox because it is something they are used to. When kids are familiar with a tool, they can be fully involved and feel like they are in control. 

I really had no idea that there were so many ways to use the Kinect for learning opportunities. Students can use it for reading, PE, math, and many others. These types of "games" get kids up and moving, which is important for students. It makes it possible for kids to be active all throughout the day. I know that third grade classes would love to have the option to increase their reading and math using the Kinect. 

I am hoping to teach the early grades kindergarten through second or third. For my classroom, I really wouldn't want to use an Xbox very often because students already spend time playing it and if it is used every single day I can see children becoming board by this. Even though its a great tool, there are other types that need to be used while teaching. For me, I don't want to just teach in one way because my students aren't all going to learn the same way.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/06/3920638/teachers-are-using-kinect-for.html#storylink=cpy

Article #7 Reflection

I think that technology is important in classrooms and it is only going to continue becoming more prominent in our schools, homes, and communities. I am excited to use new technology in the classroom that I will someday be teaching in. There are so many opportunities for students to be learning from that only a few years ago we didn't have in the classroom. I think that kids can be educated by using this technology, some more so than others. We have to keep in mind learning styles, the age of the students, and home lives.

Students don't all learn the same way and technology really doesn't use a variety of learning styles. Especially when it comes to hands on learning. Young students, especially, need to be able to explore the world around them by digging in dirt, playing in water tables, finger painting, and so much more. Also, I don't agree with putting small children in front of computers or other devices for long periods of time. I can see using doc-cams, IPads, and smart boards at some points throughout the day, but not the entire day. Some children may not have the ability to complete assignment where they submit everything over the internet or other types of learning that uses technology.

I'm all for technology in the classroom, as long as its in moderation. I also think that the younger grades such as kindergarten and first grade should keep the use of technology to a minimum and allow these students freedom of exploration of the world around them.