I LOVE technology! I use it daily. One of my favorite pieces of technology that assists students in my classroom is the Promethean Board. In using the Promethean Board, I have students come to the board and "drag and drop". I use it with something as hard as the quadratic formula or as simple as translating algebraic expressions. My visually impaired students also use a different computer screen to enlarge the font on the screen. One of my visually impaired students also use a talking calculator. This is a little embarrassing for him, even with headphones. He usually does okay with our TI calculators, but I offer it to him. Many teachers at my school also use mp3 players to record a reading of tests. This helps students take the test in the classroom at the same time as other students.
I could work on finding more technologies that assist my students. There are many needs that are met under federal law (special ed accommodations), but I have many other students with needs and disorders that could benefit from a look into additional needs. I could also work on how I collect data and report data to make sure I am supporting these needs.
The list of resources available in this chapter are priceless. I've already checked into purchasing a few. I believe I will ask for some of the software for our department. I also am thinking of an implementation plan. I usually write this in my long range plans but, since having a student teacher, I realize I need to constantly be updating my plan.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your posts, I would say you are MORE, not LESS. I love your blog title. I hope the money will be available for you to purchase some of the new resources you are interested in - If not, think about writing a grant while you have a student teacher. I have written several grants and have been pleased with the materials I was able to purchase.
Nanelle
I love technology, too. I think that, if used correctly in the classroom, it is a great way to "trick" students into learning. They think that our SMART board is great. We even named him "Smarty Pants" {its the little things like that in second grade}.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using the MP3 player to help with tests! There is so much out there for teachers to try. Thanks for sharing!