Thoughts On Technology In the Classroom...

            For the last five years, I have been working at an early childhood education center that does not promote technology in the classroom. Teachers only were allowed to use the  few computers in the school. Instead, they promote a Reggio-Inspired curriculum, meaning child-centered learning that uses natural materials.  So I haven’t been able to experience what positive opportunities technology in the classroom has to offer. I recently accepted a job offer as a teacher assistant in a special education high school classroom, and am really excited to see whether or not we will use some of the technology we have explored in class. I am taking a major jump from pre-kindergarten aged children to ninth grade special education classroom.

My previous thoughts on technology in the classroom was neither positive nor negative because I didn't think about it honestly. I was under the impression that all students would take advantage of their time on the computer or iPad and that it would consume their minds; once they started they probably and most likely wouldn't want to stop. Now I see how positive, useful, and engaging technology in classrooms can be and not only for the students, but for the teacher as well! Exploring Google Docs has been a great experience in itself. It is so much easier to use and can be used from anywhere. The survey option is a great tool also. Google drive and it’s other options are so easy to navigate and easily accessible from anywhere. I can’t imagine going back to Microsoft Word ever again! 

I really enjoyed learning and experiencing QR codes. I had always wondered what these mysterious bar codes on random walls in schools were, and now I know! I think it is an inventive tool for children to use and explore, and not to mention it’s a fun task for the students. I really like the idea of using QR codes for an educational scavenger hunt and for parent resources such as allowing them to view youtube videos of special projects, or even just informative documents. This could especially be useful for when parents are waiting for their parent-teacher conference, or for back to school night. You could easily make a QR code for  a class presentation your students put on, or a video of your class trip. They’re also very easy to make, not to mention free. Also, you could make recurring math or literacy centers for the children to go back to through the year and with little prep work. Messages of positivity and school spirit could easily be accessed through QR codes. Getting students up and out of their seats in the classroom makes the students more engaged and eager to do the work. It is beyond boring to just sit at a desk each and every day and do “worksheets”. Kahoot is another great tool I would really like to use in my future classroom. It’s an exciting tool and who doesn’t love games? For teachers, it’s a great tool to see how the students are responding to the lessons; if they are understanding the material or if they are not. It engages the children in the material while helping the teacher with feedback. I would definitely use this website on a Friday as a fun activity that simultaneously can help them study for the next test or quiz coming up. You could also use it for vocabulary repetition for weekly tests. It also can be a great “break” for students on a Friday for times when the children aren’t cooperating or are clearly checked out.. It would also be really cool to have the student’s come up with their own questions about the material and have others answer them. In doing so, you are engaging each child to mindfully think about important information and transfer it into a question.