Technology plays a major role in our class. There are
a lot of different kinds of multi-media equipment available within our room.
The classroom uses computers extensively which are all networked and internet
capable, along with NEO2’s,
CD player, listening station, digital camera, printers, microphone, sound
system, and a SMART Board
with projector. All classrooms at RVES are fortunate to have
Smart Boards. These interactive whiteboards are amazing and really enhance daily
lessons.
All my students will be participating in the computer programs Accelerated Reader and Math Facts In a Flash. Students will not be able to use these programs from home, as they are located on a district server.
We will also use certain websites like IXL Math, and SpellingCity and Starfall daily. These sites can be used from home. Students have usernames and passwords to get into IXL Math and SpellingCity. No password is needed for Starfall. Parents can bookmark these sites and have students visit them regularly for additional practice in math, spelling and reading.
If you read my philosophy, then you know that the
class is designed for the children. With this in mind, the equipment is for
them to use. Your child will work daily with these items. Kids learn by doing,
and when they are actively engaged it doesn’t seem like work, and retention is
usually greater.
Work done on computers can be stored on the district server. Each child has their own
personal data folder for saving work. Students can bring up previous work and see what
they did months before, edit old work and resave.
Our class website
that you are currently reading, is also an indication of the role technology plays in our classroom and how it
is changing education. I hope that parents will refer to it often.
Technology is not going away. It is continually
changing and evolving. Consequently, it is important to provide as much
opportunity in this area as we can for our kids in this ever changing world.