Thursday, March 8, 2012

Utilizing Technology in Grade One


A lot has changed in my classroom since discovering Twitter for educational purposes in July 2011.  Sometimes I think my staff thinks I'm nuts because I've made so many changes to my teaching this year.  The biggest one  is the integration of meaningful technology into my teaching program.  I have gone out of my way to find it and get it into my classroom.  I've borrowed from resources available in my school district, and I've utilized what is available in my school by signing out my school's laptops and free computer lab time.  I've tried to be mindful of those that also like to use this technology (mainly the older grades).  I've also been pretty out there on Twitter sharing what I've been up to in my room and what I'd love to have in my room.  I've learned from tons of great educators teaching similar aged students in different parts of the world.  It's been quite a world wind which I don't see stopping anytime soon.

Over the weekend I was thinking about ways that this immersion of technology has changed the way my students are learning.  We still do a lot with out technology, but I feel technology has helped me better meet the needs of my students.

Take for example my selective mute.  She is a brilliant young lady but her anxieties are so challenging for her that she is unable to speak or write at school.  However blogging has given her a voice.  She has tons to say to us and is able to communicate through the use of her individual blog.  While she will not communicate at school it is very clear by her blogging that she has a lot to say.  Without technology I would not have this window into her thoughts.

Then there's my newest student who arrived in Canada at the beginning of January.  He joined my classroom with very little English.  He did not know his letters and other than copying his name he couldn't write very much either.  However in the short time that he's been in my class we've been able to utilize two great iPad apps - Pocket Phonic and Word Wizard and he is now able to write simple sentences on his individual blog.

These are just two examples of how technology is having a positive impact on my students' learning.  There are many others.

Here is a little video showing some of the ways technology is changing the way I teach and my students learn.  I do want to be clear that technology does not replace good practices already in place.

I would love to hear how you are using technology in your classrooms too.


6 comments:

  1. I am fully inspired by your video, Karen! I will definitely be sharing this with my colleagues! You are doing amazing things with your students and they are truly engaged with the world. I appreciate seeing their individual needs met in a variety of ways- EMPOWERING! Beautifully done!

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    1. Thank you. It has been quite a ride for me but iI am really pleased with it. It has made teaching even more fun.

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  2. I agree with Ann and Celina! This is a fantastic video, and I love how you show that technology is being used to help students learn. This is what is so very important!

    Your students are fortunate to have such a wonderful teacher that really does meet all of their individual needs!

    Aviva

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    1. Thanks Aviva. Now a lot of credit to what I have been doing goes to you. I only learn from the best. :-)

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  3. Great video Karen! I found your video from a twitter feed and I am so impressed with the use of technology in your classroom and the explanations you gave for one way of doing thing, then how technology enhances their learning. I'm also impressed with the examples of iPad apps you gave and I can't wait to get to school and see how my students would like the Screen Chomp, Word Wizard, My Story and LetterReflex. Lately I've been a bit down on the use of iPads with the 6-7 year old age group as I have felt the apps have a lot of low level thinking, and this was just the push I needed to see how those ones work. I've just read an interesting article you might be interested in - Marc Prensky's Shaping Tech for the Classroom, where he goes through a 4 step process of technology adoption. My apologies, I'm not able to put a link on here, but if you google his name and the article you can find it if you are interested. Well done on the video and your inspiring teaching!

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    1. Thank you Heather. While I only have one class IPad I am very selective with how it is used. We still do a lot of great learning without technology too.
      Thank you for the article reference. I'll check if out.
      In the meantime keep following those Twitter feeds. There is some incredible learning to be found there.

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