Thursday, July 1, 2010
Technology and Children
As I have been taking this class and looking at what is available in the way of technology, I am amazed at how little student use of is expected in the primary grades. The State Core doesn't even cover technology until third grade and then what has to be taught is limited. In third grade, students are expected to learn about computer safety, computer components and simple programs usage. I feel that as a first grade teacher, student can learn about technology. I try to have my students use different forms of software each week in the computer lab. Generally students have already been exposed to technology before they enter school. If we wait until third grade to teach about computers, we are missing out on valuable time for learning. As a teacher I would like to integrate more technology into my classroom as well as using the computer lab. I have talked to other first grade teachers to see what technology they have their students use and sadly, I haven't found any great ideas. I realize that for young students to use technology the teacher needs to prepare ahead of time. The more students are exposed to technology the more excited about learning they are. My students LOVE going to the computer lab and are excited to try new programs. I want to enhance the use of technology and have learned a lot in this class.
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Do you feel you class has the funding to invest in students in lower grades like 1st or 2nd? I bring up this point because technology = money. With all the budget cost, would the school districts prefer to wait until middle school to introduce computer software?
ReplyDeleteI agree that money is an issue but did you see that Kearns High School just received a grant for $1million for ipod touches. The students will get to keep them at the end of the year. I realize that technology = money but, there has to be a way for classrooms to have access to computers more than once a week. I would be happy if I could have 4-5 functioning computers in my classroom at a time. There are so many good websites that could enhance student learning if they could access the internet more than once a week. I need to get good a writing grants!
ReplyDeleteMoney may be an issue, but kids are receiving a great injustice by having to wait until middle school to introduce computer software. There are first graders that can do more on a computer than some of the adults I teach. We should embrace that and find ways to continue to develop their knowledge and skills at an early age.
ReplyDeleteOur school has applied for grants in order to deal with the issue of money and technology. With these grants and other funds our principal has arranged, we have purchased smartboards, document cameras, projectors, tvs, etc. We have also been trained on how best to use these in our classrooms as tools to enhance our instruction. Most teachers have seen great gains in learning and in engagement through the use of these technologies.
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