Technology in the Classroom Day 2 Day 1-30-09

This week, our intern returned to begin her student teaching experience. The children and I are excited to have her back. I look forward to sharing the new technologies I have learned during her absence. First and foremost, I need to share with her the variety of ways that technology helps to run our classroom. Starting with our online attendance, we begin the day technologically. Throughout the day, we use the document camera (visualizer) and laptop to teach every lesson. With 9 special education students, it is crucial that we present material in many formats and always have hard copies of notes and assignments to assist them. We also utilize Internet sites that are interactive and engaging. In addition, video clips are accessed through unitedstreaming.com or Safari Montage. We often show DVD clips using our laptops that are shown through the LCD projector. For the months of January and February, it is our turn to use the Promethean Interactive whiteboard. This technology was new to me as well. I have used and been trained on the SMART brand Interactive whiteboards, but not this brand. I hope we can continue to put it to good use and learn new things about it together with the students. Another way we use technology each day is to record our grades on the SchoolMax online gradebook. I have used electronic gradebook programs for several years, but not one such as this. Being a new program countywide, it has its share of flaws. Here’s hoping for all of the quirks to be ironed out soon. Finally, we use technology through the use of our classroom website and email system. The class website is where we post news, links, homework assignments, and much more to keep parents and students up to date on classroom happenings. Our email system allows us to stay in constant communication with the families of our students at times which are most convenient for us. Email also provides us with written documentation of correspondence. This can come in quite handy during conferences and SIT meetings. Overall, there is much to cover in this area in order to prepare our intern for full takeover.