There are many tools that teachers can use to help students understand concepts in the classroom. In math a teacher may use base ten blocks to help students learn how to add and subtract. In science, students are to complete various labs which offer them the opportunity to develop concrete knowledge of the lesson. Some teachers have students read a story and then act it out in a skit or build a diorama of a scene from the book. It is these creative teaching methods that inspire me to use technology in my classroom. I feel that computers are a very important tool in today's classroom because everywhere we look there is another form of technology. I will be a teacher who uses computers to teach various lessons, and I will allow my students many opportunities to use them as well. The more a student is exposed to computers, the better prepared he or she will be for our technology-driven world
I want my classroom to have several computers that my students can use often. I will ask my students to do projects and assignments on the computers which will help them develop computer literacy. I will inform my students that the computers are there for them to use, and will encourage them to seek out opportunities to utilize them. My students will feel comfortable using the computers because I will allow them to make choices regarding the computers in our class, thus providing opportunities for them to take ownership of the machines. I will create many different options for projects. For example, I may have them use Microsoft Publisher to create a newsletter telling about a book they just read. Students may choose to create a PowerPoint presentation to share learned knowledge with the class. One example of this would be for students to present book reviews to the class as if they were trying to convince the class to read the book. I would then compile all of the reviews on one computer in order to create a database that I can keep for future classes to examine. We will call this compilation of reviews our classroom computer library. Another technology project I will have is for students to create a video of math skills. They will have a center that is focused on math skills, with manipulatives, charts, and graphs. Students can use the materials in the center to create a math video while acting like a teacher. They will teach a math concept on a video and share it with their peers by putting it on the computer. It is important that students are exposed to as many programs as possible and that they are encouraged to participate in computer activities.
Another option for use of computers is in the computer lab. This is a place where I can have the students do group or individual research. I will work with the computer technician to plan the best lessons possible using as many resources as possible. I feel that even in fifth and sixth grade it is important for students to begin searching for quality educational sources for research. The internet is a place where students can research information for projects and go on educational websites that provide activities for various subjects. I will allow students to go to a math website to do an activity that supports what we learned in class. While students are using the internet, I will always be present. I am an advocate of internet safety for children and I will be sure that they are not being exposed to inappropriate websites. I feel that children should always be supervised while on the internet. While the internet has many websites that are not appropriate for children I also believe that there is a wealth of appropriate information to be discovered.</SPAN></FONT>
School is not the only place a student should use technology. I feel that if children have access to computers at home or in after school programs, they should use them for various projects. Many after school programs offer a variety of activities for children. These activities include, sports, games, homework help and technology opportunities that are geared toward the students. Students are allowed to use a variety of technology from video cameras to computers with creative and educational software. The technologies in these programs are there for the students to use. By giving children opportunities to discover different types of video or audio equipment and various computer programs, children are able to gain a sense of ownership in these skills. They become more proficient and confident using these programs. I will encourage students who have this access to do homework on the computer and explore different types of software. At home or in after school programs, computer use can help students understand that computers are not merely for school. Computers are everywhere and children need to be exposed to technology.
It is my desire that when my students leave me and move on to the next grade level, they have a better understanding of computers and the applications that are available. Confucius said, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." By allowing my students a safe environment to hear and see the lessons on the computer, they are learning. By allowing them to use the computers, they will be gaining concrete knowledge of the applications and uses of technology in our classroom. I am committed to the use of technology so that my students leave my classroom with better preparation for a world that is so full of technology.
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