Technology Innovations

I really enjoyed everyones presentation on Thursday. I gained a lot of experience on how to use different ways to get my students excited about their education. Sometimes the few things we learn how to do we can beat it too death. We get bored, and the students get bored. I know when I learned how to use Powerpoint I have constantly used it over and over again and I just think we all need to be freshened up every now and then. I enjoyed doing and learning about different ways to present the material that needs to be presented whether it be my kindergarten class or the faculty as a whole. I believe whatever you use you need to keep your audience focused and excited about the material being presented. That is why I would like to start using Prezi and Edmodo more. The Prezi I would use more in my classroom setting because kindergartners always like movement. They, I feel would be intrigued how different the movements are compared to what they are used to seeing. The Edmodo I would use more if I ever went back to teaching higher grades. I know the students are always on a computer whether it be their phone or an actual desk or laptop. They can still commuicate through messaging and when they come to a roadblock with an assignment I don't feel they would feel threatened to approach the teacher at anytime using this device.

Current Issues with Technology Response

I really enjoyed everyones powerpoint on the current issues in the schools today with technology. I know as a leader in the school we should push technology wherever we can to enhance the learning of children of all ages. Children are learning how to function on mostly all technology in their learning and we as leaders need to meet their needs technologically to help them succeed. In one of the presentations, the question was brought up,"Does Technology Actually Enhance the Learning We Seek? I agree with what the group presented and what was quoted. It can and it will when: "Teachers reflect on teaching goals and use technology that is consistent with pedagogical beliefs" (Zhao et al., 2002). Along with the enhancement of learning will ultimately come with some pros and cons. Let the pros of implimenting technology carry you as a school to excel to the greatest. As for the cons, do not let them hinder you. As a leader, we need to have a open mind to all that we will come in contact with technology as a tool. We need to set up a vision so others will know what will be expected and make it a vision that is very clear and precise. Have reachable goals. Ones that even those who are very technology illiterate will be able to reach. Be the "go to" person that when your teachers hit a road block they can come to you for help and support.

Reference:

Zhao, Y., Pugh, K., Sheldon, S. (2002). Conditions for classroom technology innovations. Teachers College Record, 104(3), 482-515.

Classroom Technology Innovations

Technology can be a wonderful thing. I do not by any means calls myself technology literate. I do however can do a little and make do. I can find my way around using it in the classroom. I feel that we are being pushed to use it to a higher level each year. Never would I have thought that I would be posting lesson plans much less my class data to a BLOG. I find it pretty interesting how this can be done in a matter of minutes.
I teach kindergarten right now and find it amazing how even the little ones get excited about the technology they are allowed to use and how it can enhance their education. When I taught middle schoolers I loved to learn more about how to encorporate technology in the classroom. I feel that this made the lessons and the learning a lot more exciting. The kids were more involved also.
The widely recognized gap between access to and use of computers in schools begs the question why computers are not used more in classrooms(Zhao, Pugh, Sheldon, 2002). I feel that in the school system we have access to a myraid of technology that we can intigrate into our lessons in our classrooms. I do think that we need to be trained more on how to use them. For example, I have an interwrite that I have never been trained to use it but see the wonderful things my coworkers use it for and would love to incorporate it in my lessons. Also we have several ELMOS in our building and have seen them used by have no clue as to how to even turn it on. I know if I asked someone could take a few minutes to show me but we are so loaded with "other" things that time is precious to all.
In the end, technology is a GREAT thing and in the world of children being learned about it at such a young age can be very helpful and could open our eyes to many more things than even a decade ago.


References
Zhao, Y., Pugh, K., Sheldon, S. (2002). Conditions for classroom technology innovations. Teachers College Record, 104(3), 482-515.

WebLog-Week 1

I am from Suffolk, VA

I like to be called by my first name Karen

I graduated from John Yeates High School in Suffolk then went on to Roanoke Bible College in Elizabeth City, NC which is now called Mid-Atlantic Christian University.  I received my BS in Bible and Christian Ed.  I then went on to Norfolk State to get my teaching certificate.  I became certified in teaching prek-6th grade in 1999.  Currently I am teaching kindergarten.  I am in my 15th year of teaching and have taught everything from k-6th (excluding 4th)

I am interested in all kinds of sports.  I also love to read but rarely have time to do much lately.  I have traveled some when I was in college with a singing group and really miss the fun traveling on a bus for a week living in someone else's house each night.  I have also been on 3 cruises to the eastern and western carribean. 

I like to hear creative critisium but for someone to critisize me just because I do not know as much makes me just not want to say anything at all.
I feel I am a very responsible person. I make sure I am always on time to class. I feel that it is very respectful to be considerate of other people's time. I do my best to make sure I do have all my assignments done to the best of my ability and on time. If there is some things that need to be done better I want to know what I can do to always make it better. I know I can not fix everything but I can always fix mistakes when others see I can do better. My best learning style is hands on. I learn best when I am hands on with my assignments and can see the outcome is beneficial. The first time I do when I do not understand something is ask my husband is he understands when is being asked or how he sees that something should be done. When he also does not understand I then go to the source for better guidance.
I feel the most important technological invention was a camera. I love to look at pictures and take pictures. Pictures can tell all kinds of stories about people and the subjects being taken.
The technologies that I currently believe to be essential are the computer, *cell phone, *car (auto car starter).
When I leave school I do not leave technology. I use my cell phone, ipod, car with starter everyday until I fall asleep checking e-mail and doing social networking.
Kids use the cell phone (texting) is so many wrong ways. The language and things that I read and see them doing online is very inappropriate. The media is always using their camera and computer to display other people's lives most of the time in a negative way.

Can you see me?

I am posting this note to see if anyone can see my blog.  Can I get any pointers how to make my blog better?

Blessings to all,
Karen

Fresh Start

Looking forward to a great class these next 6 weeks. 

God's Blessings on all,
Karen Lawson

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