Reflection on Videos

The most important thing that stood out from the videos was the great value of technology use in the classroom extending beyond simply academic learning. Kindergarten students in inner-city Detroit were able to learn computer skills even though none of them had access to computers outside of school. This will be very beneficial for them not only through their education but well into their future careers. Students developed cooperation skills through group work on the computer and explored their creativity with different resources for information and pictures. The “I love spiders” video showed students sharing information and pictures with a class in a different state through the internet. This encourages branching out and making connections with others through sharing work and learning together. The “Habitats” video showed family and friends coming together to view students’ videos. This fosters relationships in the community and families by involving them in the learning process and the celebration of learning. These ideas opened my eyes to more possibilities of how I could incorporate technology for the benefit my students.

Links to Technology Lesson Plans

Language Arts Lesson Plan

Science Lesson Plan

Math Lesson Plan

Week 9 Post

Initial Technology Observations: It was both encouraging and discouraging to see what technology is available to the teacher with whom I am doing my practicum. She has 4 computers right in her classroom, which is very convenient. There is also a projector that is setup on the ceiling of her classroom to which she can hook up her laptop. There are 2 computer labs right outside her classroom with several computers, and they can be reserved for her class anytime they are not previously scheduled. There is no TV or CD player provided. She has access to them for checkout, but not very many are on hand. She has not used technology for instruction since I've been there, only using her computer to send emails or enter grades. So, there are some good technology tools available, but they are limited.

Yes, I completed parts 1 and 2 of the Week 9 PLE assignment.