CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

Here you will find information on how technology is being used in the classroom. You will learn how the teacher uses technology to present content to the students and how the students use technology to express what they have learned. Of course, this can never be a static page because, just as technology continues to grow and change, its uses in our classroom will continue to develop.

Scroll down or select a link below to learn more:

• Technology as a Learning Tool...Not a Distraction
• Types of Technology
• Communication is Key
• Staying Ahead of the Curve...And the Students
• Website as a Portal to the World
• Using Technology to Create a Universal Learning Environment
• The Global Classroom
• Content Mastery
• Not Just for Students
• Into the Future

Technology as a Learning Tool...Not a Distraction

Have you ever been in a class where the teacher fumbles with getting the projector to work, or used a web application and thought that it was really cool, but what was the point? These are things that will never happen in this class! In this classroom, technology will be use as a tool to enhance learning without becoming a distraction. In its most simple form, the purpose of this class is to teach reading and writing. We will only be using technology when it provides a real benefit to help students in these content areas. Technology can cause problems in the classroom in two main ways: When teachers and students don't know how to use the technology and when students use the technology as a toy rather than a tool. To combat both of the problems, your teacher will stay up to date on learning to effectively use all of the technologies that are used in the classroom and will provide detailed instructions and thorough demonstrations to students every time a new technology is used.

Types of Technology

My classroom will be a true representation of a 21^st century classroom featuring every type of technology that will benefit my students. I will 5 IPads and 5 Chrome notebooks with enabled projector that enables my students and I to interact with the board from anywhere in the classroom. I will have a computer station with several desktop computers and access to notebook computers and IPads. At a minimum, students will be able to work in groups of 2-3 per computer. Within my classroom, all of the computers will be connected with a wireless network that will allow for file and software sharing. I will use headphones, speakers, digital cameras, and digital video recorders to enhance student learning and expression. Experiences gained in my classroom will only be limited by the imagination and the wealth of resources available on the internet and through digital audio and video. I will maintain a class website, social network sites, and blog to provide students and parents constant access to needed information. I will use assistive technology to meet the needs of disabled students. Overall, the type of technology used in my classroom will grow and change as I identify student needs and discover new forms of technology.

In order to meet my goals of having a highly technologically equipped classroom, I will work diligently to secure grants and donations. One way that I can provide the most students with access to the most equipment is by partnering with several teachers to share equipment such as mobile notebook computer labs and IPad labs.

Communication is Key

In order for students to be successful in the classroom, they must stay in communication with the teacher. Moreover, a constantly open line of communication between teachers and parents can be one of the most effective ways to keep students on track. Constant communication will be made possible using all of the technology available. For example, students and parents will always have access to work, assignments, and other important information on this website. Also, parents can expect to hear from be regularly through email and weekly newsletters and should know that they should email me every time even the slightest concern arises. We will use Facebook as an additional means to keep communications open between parents, students, and teachers. With all these ways to stay in touch, students will have access to what they need from anywhere, anytime.

Website as a Portal to the World

Whether student are in the classroom, at home, or on the go, they will always have access to most of the materials presented in class. Videos, web-links, images, documents, and more will be stored on the class website. Whenever a student begins a project at home or during class, a page with instructions, help-full links, and multimedia will be provided on the class website. The class website will essentially be used as a web portal that students can use to access safe, pre-approved learning materials and resources. Furthermore, announcements, assignments, calenders, contact information, and other important information will be accessible at all times via the class website.

Using Technology to Create a Universal Learning Environment

Today’s classroom is filled with students who have an abundance of distinct learning needs. In the same class you will find gifted students, students with mental and physical disabilities, students with unique learning needs, ESL students, students of different ages, and students from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. You will also find students who learn by seeing, students who learn by doing, students who learn by hearing, and students who learn by touching. It is the teacher’s job to make sure that every student, no matter what advantages or disadvantages they bring with them, are taught with equity and given every possible chance for academic success. Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles that allows every student in the classroom to have an equal opportunity to learn. Furthermore, all students learn better and absorb information faster when materials are presented using different methods to prevent cognitive overload. I will use technology in the classroom as a tool to ensure that all categories of the UDL are met each day. Below you will find some examples of ways technology will be used in meeting UDL considerations.

Content Mastery

My job as an educator is not to simply present information to my students, I must make sure that every student learns all of the information that is necessary to prepare them for their academic futures. To do this, I will teach for content mastery and make sure that every student masters everything that is taught. Whenever a student is having difficulty mastering some of the content from class, I will provide the students and their parents with an email containing suggestions and links to web resources. Sometimes, the best way for students to master content that requires multiple exposures is by using online applications such as flash cards, hang-man style games, and other flash games that help students learn concepts such as grammar and vocabulary. If students are having difficulty with reading quizzes, I will provide them with access to a variety of reading quizzes online so that they can practice answering questions. The key to content mastery is practice. However, continuing to practice concepts in the same way can become repetitive and boring. By using online games and gaming software, I can help students practice the same skills and concepts over and over without the materials becoming boring. I will look for software packages and online game memberships that include multi-user licenses so that students can log in and using gaming software from a variety of locations.

Not Just for Students

Technology can be used for much more than to help all students learn in the classroom. As I teacher, I will use technology to help me be the best, and most organized, educator possible. Students don't ever have to worry about me keeping track of their grades and assignments because all of their records will be kept using a secure online grade book that I can assess from anywhere. Rather than wasting valuable class time looking for links to websites or pulling up that perfect video, I will keep all of the my digital teaching tools on this website. I will also have the confidence of teaching my class each day knowing that I have designed my lesson plan based on a world full of experiences and resources found online through teacher exchanges. I will use a variety of software programs to create dynamic teaching aids such as interactive Smart Board lessons and attractive handouts created with Publisher.

Into the Future

The world of technology is an ever-changing place; therefore, my classroom will continue to change and develop as new technology is released. To stay current, I will read trade magazines, subscribe to technology news feeds, and attend conferences and conventions in my personal time. These efforts will help me develop professionally and help me to learn about the newest and latest technology available for implementation in the classroom. Of course, as with anything new, there will sometimes be bugs to work out. For this reason, I will make sure that I have spent time learning to use any new technology before introducing or recommending it to my students. Just as I teach them, I hope that my students will keep me informed on the new technologies they are using in their own lives so that I can find ways to incorporate their favorite technologies into the curriculum.

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