Discussion+Questions+EDT674

Discussion Question 1

What do you know about using technology with students?

A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I know from experience that you need to have a very clear objective of what you want the students to learn before you incorporate technology into a lesson. I know that kids LOVE working on the computers and are much more skilled than we give them credit for. I know that it can be maddening to work in a computer lab with a big group of kids, especially when the computers aren't working right. I know that I have seen students have more success with a task when they used some kind of technology, than when they did that same kind of thing the old-fashioned paper and pencil way. I know that technology offers many, many different ways to complete the same task.


 * What do you want to know about using technology with students?**

I think I do know a lot about using technology with students, and I am able to quickly learn new things. What I would like to do is refine my knowledge about how I can use technology with my kindergartners. There are a lot of great things out there to use with older kids but sometimes they simply can't be adapted for five year olds.

**Look at the Essential 21st Century Skills List - Select one skill and discuss how you already meet this skill via your current instruction.**

Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills - This is something I spend a tremendous amount of time on in my kindergarten classroom. While most of my students have been in preschool, day care or a 4K program, this is the first time they really have to work together as a team so that we can accomplish all our goals by the end of the year. The majority of our teachers have been trained in Responsive Classroom techniques and this is one of the cornerstones of RC - that the social curriculum in school is just as important as the academic curriculum.