Technology

I was wondering what Parents think about the integration of Technology?  As educators, we do have a required set of objectives we are to teach the students. However, that is just the basics.  If we think about how our students will need to be able to use technology as a tool, there is a greater pressure for educators to provide students to interact with technology. It has to become a tool our kids can use.

If you haven't watched the video, "Shift Happens," I suggest you do. Just go to Youtube and search for it. There are several versions but they all generally have the same information.

I thought I would share all the ways we are using technology in the school.  Here is a picture of Mrs. Smith, first grade teacher, using the SMARTBOARD. All homeroom classes, the library and the science lab have a SMARTBOARD. The SMARTBOARD is interactive. Students can manipulate the answers or the objects on the board.

We also have the computer lab with 30 computers. Normally, students will visit the computer lab anywhere from once a week to twice a week with the entire class. Students in grades 2-6 may use Study Island. This is a program that provides additional practice in reading, math and science.

In addition to the computer lab, every homeroom class has two to four computers which remain in the classroom. See the kindergarten student working during center time.

Our mini-laptob lab is mobile! Yes, we can move it from place to place. We have 31 mini computers. Teachers will occasionally have the entire class on the computers while sometimes the need is just to have a few students on the minis. 

All of the teachers also have document cameras and projectors (see above). The document cameras are really neat instructional tools. In addition, to placing textbooks underneath the camera and projecting it on the wall, a teacher could even place a student's homework onto the wall and review it.

Next time, I'd like to share our SMARTTABLE, Ipods Touch, Apple Computers, and our upcoming television studio.  Are you interested? I would love to hear from parents.