I vividly remember the first three computers, Apple IIe's, and a box of floppy disks that were brought to my library. These computers were checked-out to teachers for use in their classrooms to reinforce their objectivist learning theories.
The next "big thing" for me was the Accelerated Reader program which was purchased to give relevance to the new stand alone desktop computers purchased by the P.T.A. My day was filled with loading floppy disks into each computer and printing "points" reports.
In the late 1990's my school was finally networked and I could download A.R. tests from one computer onto the server. I managed this technology as the media specialist without much real knowledge of how it all really "worked". I had a lot of talks with technical support. With networking, came the worldwide web. Up until this point our computer programs were used mainly for reinforcement and reward. The internet opened up the possibility of new productivity such as research, word processing, multimedia projects, and class demonstrations.
In the early 2000's, our district began to adopt a new educational theory. While studying chapter two, I recognized the shift to the construtivist learning theory, specifically the Multiple Intelligence model.
The last five years have brought about more technology advances at my school. We now have available most of the types of technology facilities mentioned in chapter one of our textbook. We also use technology in all aspects of our educational experience. Teachers are becoming more comfortable and open to new ideas in technology. Next year we will implement a 1:1 technology program. One laptop or tablet for each student and teacher in our district.
My favorite technology at the moment is the Smartboard. As a librarian, I see the advantages of interaction for the students and the productivity for the teachers. Best part - NO more overhead projectors, T.V's or VCR/DVD players. Smartboards also reinforces my district's philosophy of Multiple Intelligences as a learning theory.
http://kerimae.wikispaces.com/Lesson+Plan+for+Multiple+Intelligences
Google Reader Google Reader link
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=1698
Link to lessons for the SmartBoard
http://kerimae.wikispaces.com/Lesson+Plan+for+Multiple+Intelligences
Google Reader Google Reader link
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=1698
Link to lessons for the SmartBoard
I used smartboards while student teaching. They were a great resource and the kids really enjoyed the activities they could do on them with at station time. In K, we had to teach them how to use it and sometimes we will had little ones punching the board (whoops!).
ReplyDeleteHey Janet,
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad my mom taught for about 23 years and still doesn't even know how to check her email. She definitely does not know technology. I am also a pe teacher so I do not have to use much technology but we do have SMARTboards in every classroom. On rainy days we can use one of the SMARTboards to play different fitness games with our students. They love getting to interact and they all know how to work the boards and usually know more that I know about them. That is also really awesome how your school is getting the 1:1 technology program. The students will really benefit from that. Thanks for your post this week and I really enjoyed reading your blog! War Eagle! =)
I absolutely love my SMART board. I am one of two teachers in my school that have the SMART brand board, the others have an Interwrite. One of the best things about my SMART board is that it is touch screen. May not seem like a big deal but in first grade it is HUGE! We use it for everything from playing games to behavior management.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. Wow, that's amazing you have been in education since 1985. It has definitely had major changes in technology. I have to be honest, I do not have a smart board. I hear they are amazing, but since I have everyone on a computer and have control over each of them from my computer, I have never felt like the money spent would be beneficial to me. As a librarian, I can see so many possibilities for you with the smart board.
ReplyDelete