Technology Integration: My Observations

1.      Does the school have a computer lab? If so, which grades use it and how often do they use it?

            There is one computer lab with 32 computers, and the library has 6 computers and 16 laptops. All grades use both the lab and the library once a week, and have access to laptop carts. There are 5 laptop carts with 10-16 laptops. Both the lab and the library are getting 30 iPads, and because of RESOA Grant money, the school will also have 75 more laptops and 30 iPod Touch by next September.

2.      Is there a computer teacher in the school? What kinds of projects does the computer teacher do with the students who come to the lab? Which software programs are used? Do you think that the projects done in the computer lab are related to the classroom curriculum? Why or why not?

            There is one computer teacher and one technology coach. All lab projects are related to the curriculum in the classroom. The teachers plan together and use the curriculum map that is uploaded on ARIS. The teachers must plan ahead according to what the students will be learning. In lab, the students will use iMovie, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Pixie (an early childhood drawing and typing program), and Imagine Learning for ELL students. In addition, students do some research online, and use BookFlix, Learn 360, and portportal.

3.      Are there computers in your classroom? What kinds of software programs are available on the classroom computer? How are the computers used?

            There are two computers in my classroom. One is hooked up to the smartboard, and the other is used by the students. The same programs that are used in the computer lab are installed on the computers in the classroom and are used by the teacher. In my classroom, my cooperating teacher likes to use the computer to show videos, make diagrams and charts, and look for pictures to add to any writing so that we can scaffold the ELLs.

4.      Based on your observations, describe your school's philosophy regarding technology integration. Does your cooperating teacher share the administration's views on technology integration? Explain.

            The administration wants all technology to be updated in the building. This is why every class will have an updated Mac desktop, and why every teacher will be receiving an iPad. The administration wants technology to be used by both the teacher and the students, and I have seen this first hand in my classroom. The presence of the smartboard helps tremendously. Come 2014, all schools will need technology because testing will be online.

5.      Define Technology Integration in your own words.

            Technology has enabled many teachers to take learning to a whole new level. Teachers must be open to using technology, though. As Smartboards replace chalk boards, long time teachers have to get used to all of the opportunities the smartboard has to offer. Sometimes, the hardest part is not using what you already know, but learning how to effectively use the tools at hand. In short, teachers need to be able to use media and technology in addition to their teaching. There is a wealth of information on the internet. If a teacher is teaching about the Revolutionary War, there is an infinite amount of resources available in addition to books.