Technology+Reflection

 I really enjoyed this technology. It was really cool how it hooked up to the computer. As long as the teacher kept all of the files organized and named then it shouldn't require much upkeep. It would be helpful for recording: --lectures --ideas --conversations about assignments --brainstorming sessions  --students recording and listening to their oral reading so they can work on fluency ** LeapFrog Interactive Books ** These type of books are so fun. Most of the pages/games are educational and PASS Standards are addressed in many of them. I prefer the interactive books that have the fake pen in which nothing is actually "written" on the pages. The pencil interactive books are probably more appropriate for the home because the student can write their work and not worry about having to erase for the next student. I would use this type of technology in a reading center.
 * Technology Reflections **
 * Handheld Voice Recorder **

IPad's are a very advanced form of technology, which means they are very expensive. However, I have heard that many schools are receiving grants so that entire classrooms can receive an IPad for each student. After seeing some of the games that can be played on the IPad, I think it is a great type of technology to have in and out of the classroom. I felt very overwhelmed the first time I used the SMART Board Notebook software. However, as I played with it and figured out what the commands did, I feel much more comfortable with it. This would be a fantastic tool in the classroom, and I hope I get one in mine.
 *  IPad **
 *  SMART board **

**Kidspiration/ Inspiration ** I really like Kidspiration. It is helpful that the software will "talk" to you whenever you click an object. this helps the student know what they are doing. Also, by hearing the word they are reading, they will learn the word faster than they would if they just read it. I think the concept maps are cool, however, I'm really impressed by the math templates this software provides. There are great pictures of mathematics manipulatives that would help incorporate real hands-on manipulatives. **I have included the following map so that you know where to purchase most of these items if you wished to have them in your home. ** media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Walmart+Supercenter,+Norman,+OK&aq=1&sll=35.22613,-97.483063&sspn=0.042208,0.083427&ie=UTF8&hq=Walmart+Supercenter,&hnear=Norman,+Cleveland,+Oklahoma&ll=35.221737,-97.45705&spn=0.012058,0.085619&output=embed" height="400" width="500" align="center"

If you have any technology that you would like to donate to our classroom, please print out and fill out the following PDF: Panel Discussion Reflection <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">a) What was different than you thought? <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> I thought it was interesting that the administration in the schools allowed the teachers to teach those classes without being most stringent about the teachers' technology abilities. I always assumed that in order to get a job as a technology teacher that your administration would have some major requirements and/or workshops that you must attend in order to qualify. These teachers seemed to have been given the benefit of the doubt and the administrators trusted them to learn how to use the technology and properly teach it to their students.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">b) How might you overcome a challenge they talked about? <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> One big challenge they talked about was students getting on social networking sites or text messaging. I would figure out a way to block the websites and then block the proxy websites that allow them to go past the settings I had put in place. Also, I think it would be beneficial to use social media in the classroom, through a classroom Facebook group in which only students and the teachers can be friends. The teacher could include pictures, discussions, and instant messaging activities that have to do with the lesson so that students can use social media, but in relation to the class.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">c) What is something that you took away that could help you in finding a job or in doing a good job as a teacher? <span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"> I did not know that in order to be a technology teacher you just had to be certified in two areas. This would help broaden my range of opportunities when looking for a job as a teacher.