Technology and the TEKS

126.2. Technology Applications, Kindergarten-Grade 2.
 (1) Foundations. The student demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections. The student is expected to:
(A) use technology terminology appropriate to the task;
(B) start and exit programs as well as create, name, and save files; and
(C) use networking terminology such as on-line, network, or password and access remote equipment on a network such as a printer.

I think it’s important to teach the students when they enter Kindergarten, the foundations of using technology. Logging onto the computer with their password is part of getting ready for class. Students are assigned a login name the first day of school along with their library card and lunch account number. Technology is part of their learning process and students are taught the foundations from day one. While some schools have a technology class rotation for students to visit weekly or biweekly, it still often falls to their primary teachers to establish the foundation by incorporating technology experiences into daily lessons.

§110.13. English Language Arts and Reading, Grade 2,

(17) Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) to compose text. Students are expected to:

(A) plan a first draft by generating ideas for writing (e.g., drawing, sharing ideas, listing key ideas);

(B) develop drafts by sequencing ideas through writing sentences;

(C) revise drafts by adding or deleting words, phrases, or sentences;

(D) edit drafts for grammar, punctuation, and spelling using a teacher-developed rubric; and

(E) publish and share writing with others.

I choose to list the Writing Process TEK as an important one that should include the use of technology, in my classroom. While the technology involved may be basic, I believe it is an important tool for students to learn and improve their writing. It allows students to use elements of the writing process such as planning, drafting, editing, and publishing, while giving them the means to be creative and still organized in one place. Since I work in a Special Education classroom I see that using technology enables students another alternative to writing through typing or dictation. While this is extremely beneficial to Special Education students it also benefits general education students that perhaps struggle with fine motor skills or the labors of writing itself. In using technology in the witting process, students are also able to add different fonts, colors, graphic, audio and/or video clips etc., allowing the use of creativity in their works and it makes for an engaging and entertaining process and presentation.  

Assessing Meaningful Learning with Technology and Inspiration/Kidspiration

The three assessments tools introduced this week were the technology based rubrics, the clicker assessment tools and Inspiration/Kidspiration software. All of these resources were new to me and I could see how they could be very useful in the classroom.

The website, http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/assess.html, gives teachers great information on how to create and build their own rubric and incorporate them into their grading systems. It also includes grade level rubrics as well as project rubrics. 

The clicker assessment tools can be used in the classroom to identity understanding of covered material, as well as take quick classroom polls or opinions.

The Inspiration/Kidspiration tools looked interesting and engaging but without downloading the 30 day trial, I was unable to navigate and experience it hands on.

I never knew there were so many tools and applications available for teachers and use in the classrooms. Throughout this course, I have seen the importance of learning and staying current on technology.  I see the importance of incorporating technology into the delivery of classroom materials as well as taught to the students so that they can utilize the technology in their presentation of materials.

The tools and applications introduced in the course help to create a fun and engaging learning environment in which students help to facilitate the learning. I plan to integrate technology such as blogging, Wiki’s and Prezi into my lessons so that students will be actively involved in their learning and will see it as a creative, exciting and fun process.  I also plan to use some of the great resources that have been covered, to ease my planning, grading and assessment of the materials that I am teaching in the classroom.  

Visualizing with Technology

Using technology in the classroom enables teachers to appeal to a variety of learning styles and allows lessons to expand past the school walls. By incorporating technology into the curriculum, students are able to explore learning using a hands on approach. These technology tools engage students and make them active participates in their own learning. There are many great websites and programs, that allow students to take classroom learning and apply it by utilizing the technology. These technologies allows students to be creative and enhance their learning experiences.

Technology can also be a useful resource for teachers and educators. Discovery Education Streaming (United Streaming) offers videos for educators to enhance their own learning and knowledge and could be counted towards professional staff development hours. Safari Montage is great resources for teachers to look for ideas for lesson plans when preparing their curriculum. It also has a library of educational videos, clips and lessons that can be viewed in the classroom. This allow students to experience materials visually, as well as auditory.

The use of cameras and video cameras in the classrooms has allowed teachers to obtain an electronic record of students work, that can be filmed and later viewed by students. By placing these records on classroom blog or websites, families can also experience in their childrens' learning.

There are so many great technologies available for teachers to incorporate into their curriculum and lessons, allowing for a better learning experience for both teacher and student.

 

Designing with Technologies

The technology that is available to the classroom today is incredible! It can be used to enhance what the teacher is presenting to the class, or supplement a subject area, such as Fine Arts. Due to budget cuts, many school districts are reducing their Fine Arts programs.  Research has suggested that Fine Arts expand the boundaries of learning and encourage creative thinking and a deeper understanding of the core subjects, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Technology can be used in the classroom to help supplement the Fine Arts areas.

In the Designing with Technology activity, I explored 2 websites that could be used to encourage student’s creativity. At the website http://universe.lego.com/enUS/creationlab/Default.aspx,   students have the ability to design and create their own Lego City and interact online with other students.  This website is great in that students are able to use their creativity while using math and science skills.  At http://creatingmusic.com, students can learn about the different types of musical instruments and create their own musical compositions. While composing music does allow students to be creative, it also strengthens their math skills.

Both of the Lego and Creating Music websites would be a great way to incorporate fine arts and reinforce math and science skills in the classroom and at home.