I absolutely LOVE using technology in the classroom. I am the "technology guru" at my school. SMART Boards, iPads, CPS response clickers, Edmodo, computers-- you give it to me, I'll use it! My favorite piece of equipment, right now, are iPads. I only have 3 in my classroom, but we manage. Our district is committed to technology an ALL students grades 7-12 have iPads and that will expand next year! Too bad I'm leaving! Anyway, my students use the iPad amost everyday. It may just be taking AR test and responding to an Edmodo question, but we'll use it! Currently, we use iPads the most during centers. I can find plenty of Apps (mostly free) that go along with what we're learning in language, math, science, or reading. I think if I had more iPads, I would do more project work with them. One of my favorite technology resources is TCEA. This site is not free, but it's only $40/year. I have more than gotten my money's worth on the free apps they post everday! I can't even keep up with them they post so many. There are many community groups you can join to get information about other areas of technology, as well. Click on this to learn more about TCEA! (I promise I don't work for them and they don't pay me to advertise for them! =))
Here is a short video about a future classroom! Some of it is already happening! It mentions plasma screen that rotate work and announcements insdead of boards outside classrooms! I haven't even thought about that!
On Google Reader, I have been following the blog Seomra Ranga. This blog post reviews of apps very frequently, mainly for primary grades. The review posted today was actually of an app I've used in my reading centers this year! Here is a link to the blog and you can check some out!
As I mentioned earlier, right now, my favorite piece of technology is the iPad. Using this in the classroom allows me to individualize learning, monitor progress (some apps, such as Splash Math), and engage studnets. I currently have a student who has trouble with fine motor skills. The first half of the school year, he took his spelling test on the Spelling City app on one of the iPads. He could stay in his desk, just like everyone else, and complete his test. He did not have to go back to the computers to do this. Splash Math is a wonderful app that has many math skills. It will let you add up to five students at a time. If you wish, you can get a weekly email report on the students progress! My centers are based around technology. We have the computers, SMART board, and iPads going. I typically do not have to wonder if my students are engaged in what they are supposed to be doing-- they love it, so they are!! I'm thankful technology is coming along to help us support different learning styles, intervention, monitoring, and just helping students have fun!!
Jennifer
About
- Mrs. Northrup
- My name is Jennifer Pride Northrup and I teach third grade. I am in my fourth year of teaching, but in my first at Oak Mountain Elementary School. I graduated from Auburn University in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I love reading a good book, playing with my dogs, hanging out with friends, going to the lake, and going to see Auburn Athletic events-- WAR EAGLE! I am about to finish a Master's degree in library media from the University of West Alabama.
4 comments:
Wow! What a blessing that your district is so dedicated to technology!! It is amazing to me the difference across schools, districts and states. My school has a very large student population. We are only scheduled one computer lab block each week for only 40 minutes. Other schools in my district go daily. This exposure will make a huge impact when we begin Smarter Balance testing. It also impacts teacher performance and the ability to keep students engaged. I am amazed that each student gets and ipad! What a BLESSING!
I love that you use technology with your centers. I know the students probably love it. I think it is SO important for students to understand how different types of technology work, and the video you posted shows why! The high school that I attended actually gives EVERY SENIOR an ipad to use during school. Isn't that amazing?!
I have been finding that iPads are becoming incredible tools for engaging students! I like how you can find apps that will even send you reports and updates. It makes it much easier to track student progress in the classroom!
The Magnet School I teach at requires students to have reflection journals. Many of the students use their personal iPads to update their reflection journals on a blog or app. They can then send it to the teacher to view for grading.
Awesome blog set up!
I bring my own personal iPad to the classroom to use in small group intervention and I love it! I wish our schools could have enough for our whole class because there are tons of wonderful apps for students.
Our high school is in the process of getting either iPads or personal laptops for all of the Juniors and Seniors.
You have a great blog!
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