Blog #11-Non-Computer Based Technology

I believe that a good technology that is not computer based is the Alpha Smart keyboard. I have just recently discovered the best uses for this product. This keyboard can be attached to a computer but can also function alone as a word processor. Up to five files can be stored and then can be imported onto the computer once it is plugged in. This can be used in schools where the number of computers are limited or to let students work at their desk all at once. This is a technology that is cost effective and easy for students to use. Using them regularly could also improve typing skills in younger children which would be a beneficial skill for children to develop earlier.

Blog #10-ERIC project thoughts

After seeing all of the ERIC research projects, I feel more informed about uses of technology. One of the most interesting topics was the assistive technology presentation. It is something that all of us need to know because there will always be students who have special needs in the classroom. It is also beneficial knowing the different levels and how to use low tech things in our classroom to help in small ways. Through my own research, I was able to learn about the pros and cons of using technology in the elementary classroom. I learned a lot and am excited to find ways to integrate the technology into the classroom in a safe, and effective way. I still feel that using technolog in the classrom is an important and will use it in my classroom when I can.

Blog #9 -Website Review

The website that I found was called internet4classrooms.com and is a technology guide for teachers to use in their classrooms. The content covers all ages, K-12. There is a section for links to other websites for lessons, ideas for activities, and even movies or story books online. Another section is devoted to helping teachers prepare their students for assessments for all grade levels. Several other sections have links to helpful websites for students to use or for teachers to give their students for projects or research. Overall, the website seemed very informative and useful. All of the grade levels were equally represented and so were all of the content areas. The only downside seemed to be the fact that there were so many different links it could get confusing for students or would be easy to stray from the original website. However, with more practice it would be a good resource for teachers to use. Though I did not spend too long looking around, the links to other websites appeared to be credible and quality websites to use as resources for lesson planning.
The link is provided as the title of the Blog post so feel free to visit the site as well!

Blog #8

Halfway Reflection

Now that the class is halfway over, I am starting to see the benefits to using technology in the early childhood program. Some of the things that we do in class, like spreadsheets and databases, I feel at too advanced for some early childhood students, especially younger ones. I am finding somethings that would be beneficial and am learning things that I can use for classroom management. Though I feel that this class is beneficial, I do find myself overwhelmed at times and am not spending much time on the activities but feeling more so that I need to rush through them to get them done. Because of this I feel that I am not gaining as much from them as I should.
Overall, I enjoy using the technology with students and will most likely continue to use it with my own students some day.

Pros and Cons of Internet in the Classroom

Part 1: There are several pros and cons to using internet in the elementary classroom. Some pros include having a multitude of resources at your fingertips and having the ability to access information that you would not normally have access to. If students are completing a project and need to find pictures of their specific topic, the internet is a great place to go. Also, it will be good for students to start early in using the internet so that they will be well prepared for the years when they need it.The cons could include it being too difficult for young children to understand and they may not be able to get the full value from the activities. It could also be unsafe for children to have access to websites without extra attention.
I personally believe that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages of technology in the classroom. Children will gain a lot from differentiated instruction through use of technology. It could also be easier to adapt lessons to fit each child's needs. Depending on the abilities in the class, the teacher could have children participating in different ways. Those that are proficient in using the internet could do a more complicated lesson while those who need help would have a less intricate activity.
Part 2:
So far my favorite website that I have seen from class was webquest because it can be used by both students and teachers. Teachers can find activities and lessons online from other teachers and students can use it as a safe research tool in the classroom for various activities.

What kindergarteners need to know...

After reading this article, I feel even more that standards are being placed too early in schools. I know that it is important but in my experience, students learn several things just from playing. However, because standards are being required as early as preschool sometimes, I think this idea is great. It is a great guide for teachers so that they do not forget the standards. It is becoming more and more pressured for teachers to do well. In some districts, a teacher's job is at stake if her students do not perform well. It is good for students to get into the practice of meeting standards.