Classroom Artifacts |
How has technology integration made an impact on your classroom this year?
"I know that section of the test [Food Chains] had higher scores than the rest because of that project. And...this is important I think... it's a project I've always done but the technology made it easier, faster and more complete than ever before. PLUS, the kids were able to be much more independent while doing the research and several of them made 2 or 3 chains because they had the time and it really solidified the concepts!! Even my lowest reader and most struggling learners were able to complete the project where in the past, they couldn't finish without my help. The only student that received a red score, 50%, missed that whole week of school and never had a chance to make one of the chains." --Mrs. Knighton
"I am old school. Technology scares me to death. How do I teach with Chromebooks everyday? These were my thoughts over the summer. Then some teachers decided to get together over the summer to create classroom websites. With a little help, I was able to put together a website that included a classroom blog, for parents, link to websites that support curriculum I was teaching, and links to interactive sites for drill and practice. Our classroom website provides a place to put wonderful things I find for the students. I smile now since we use this website daily to access interactive science sites, to do research using safe internet search engines, as well as great teaching sites for students who need another lesson when learning tough math concepts. I even offer my website to other teachers who are interested in things I have embedded in my website. I am thankful to those who pushed me to try new things. The students have benefited from what I have learned. www.elmwoodvandersteen.weebly.com." -- Mrs. Vandersteen
"Preparing children for their future: The students have learned new skills for gathering and presenting work on a daily basis such as, typing, coping, pasting, searching the internet and using different kinds of documents such as drawings, slideshows and web pages to present their work. These skills have also helped to prepare them for the new set of state testing the MStep.
Ownership for their learning: Through the quick use of personal websites the students are building up a portfolio that they can use as a timeline of their learning. I am hoping that they can keep this with them throughout their school career and look back at both their progress and also use this resources to show improvement by coping and then revising their work for 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 versions as they progress through the grades.
Collaboration with others: The use of technology has allowed my students to quickly display their background knowledge through shared documents. It has also allowed groups of children to answer questions in a more timely manner. Classroom discussions can also mean that everyone can get their point of view across at the same time rather than just one person at a time in an oral classroom discussion.
Change of teaching style and curriculum delivery: I am still working on this to see the results but there are applications that allow the children to get instant feedback and work at their own pace which allows me to work with select. Which means there is less interaction and possibility for debate, consensus and learning from peers. This is a balancing act that I am learning about as integration goes on.
Personal growth and learning: Through personal curiosity and professional learning opportunities I have integrated different tools and pondered pedagogical changes. Being allowed time to learn and talk with colleagues and other educators has allowed a wider knowledge and integration of technology tools, successes and possible stumbling blocks. -- Mr. Blundell
Mr. Haas' class has been putting together weekly announcements for the whole school. Students write suggestions for announcements on a Google doc. The students film the video on Thursday and edit it using movie maker. They then turn it into a YouTube video and Mr. Haas sends the link to all the teachers! This way the entire schools gets to watch the announcements!