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Question #1:

 

What grade do you teach?

 

April:  6th grade

 

Heather:  5th Grade

 

Celeste:  8th Grade

 

 

 

Question #2:

 

What type of technology do you use in the classroom?

 

April:This year I have used Extenda computers, WOW carts, eyeCamD, document camera and projector.

 

Heather:For 5th grade, we had about four computers in the class room and an overhead projector (the old school kind with transparences) and then we got the LCD projectors that connect to our computer so we could show clips and other things.  We also had a grade-level digital camera.  For art, I have the same as when I taught in 5th grade, minus a couple of the classroom computers, plus an Elmo.  There are other things available to us for check out: digital cameras, iPad, smart boards, etc.

 

Celeste: I use a LCD projector, an Elmo, and a Promethean Board (Similar to a Smart Board)

 


Question #3

 

Has using technology improved your teaching ability?

 

April:  The biggest impact on my teaching is that it allows me to instantly show my kids images of concepts or vocabulary they are not familiar with.

 

Heather:  Absolutely!  For core classes, it is amazing to be able to SHOW these kids what you are talking about in science, etc.  And for art, having the ELMO is wonderful because I can draw or paint or sketch WITH the kids.  They can all see it and copy my actions.  LOVE IT!

 

Celeste:  Definitely. It has helped me become more creative with my lessons and flexible as a teacher. Teachers need not be so dependent on hard copies. It allows for creativity in a lesson or the ability to differentiate your instruction.

 

 

 

Question#4

 

How has the use of technology had an impact on the students?

 

April:  My students respond incredibly well to technology based/technology friendly assignments.  Their level of engagement and the quality of their work seems to increase exponentially when they participate in these activities.  My students do so well with technology that I plan to make the majority of my Social Studies curriculum computer based next year.

 

Heather:  These kids are so excited to learn because they have access to things that they wouldn’t get to experience at home—computers, IPads, digital cameras.  Many in this community don’t have phones at home, much less internet connection.  It is hard to reach them…but suddenly they are interested excited to learn.  That’s not to mention how helpful it is to be able to work out at problem on a page, using strategies that you’d have them use on the test—where they can SEE what you are doing and how their paper should look, without having to wait on you to come to them individually.

 

Celeste:  Students enjoy being interactive and tend to do well when technology is involved. They enjoy the visual as well as the kinesthetic aspects of a lesson. It is also a medium with which they are comfortable with, instead of the typical poster board projects, students have an opportunity to use a program like glogster to create presentations. I feel it is very beneficial.