In order to carry out my GAME plan I am going to need more computer time, increased access to computers and a document camera. I will also need the aid and cooperation of colleagues. By working together in groups, we can better assist the students in creating items like Wikis and pod casts.
In terms of additional information, I really need ideas on more types of technology that I can utilize in my kindergarten classroom. As I previously said, my lessons have mainly been limited to Internet usage as a result of the fact that I teach five- and six-year-olds.
Thus far I have gotten the ball rolling by having my students create a concept map. We focused on the life cycle of a butterfly and detailed the various developmental stages a butterfly goes through en route to transforming from a caterpillar to a winged creature. To study the butterfly, the students watched a virtual documentary online that explained the stages of transformation. Afterward, they used the Internet to create a concept map.
Carrie.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great plan for collaborating with your colleagues to help implement your GAME plan. Does your district have a technology coordinator? If so, s/he would probably be a good person to talk to. Not only can they help you determine which technologies are available, and what websites/softwares are permitted for school use, s/he may also be able to “hook you up” with some technology. Just a thought. Maybe if you do not have a technology director, maybe your school has a technology coach of some sort?
Also, when you mentioned that you would like ideas about how to incorporate technology into classroom full of 5 and 6 year olds, a thought came to mind…Conferences. Have you ever been to a State or National Math Conference? They have lots of sessions about teachers using technology in their classrooms. There are also conferences related to English, Science, Social Studies, etc. I have attended 3-4 of the SCCTM (South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics) conferences, and they were great assets. Just a thought.
Good post.
TonyaTodd
Hello Carrie,
ReplyDeleteHave you tried to approach your PTA for technology money? The PTA at my school purchased document cameras for all the teachers in our building. I believe they used fundraising money as well as donations from local businesses. I notice that you said in your previous entry that you live in a low social economic area. Knowing that, you may not have a strong PTA, but approaching local businesses might be an option. You can always apply for grants as well. A document camera or a Smartboard may be the best investment for you since you might not have much of a budget. A Smartboard would be fabulous in kindergarten. The students become very involved when they can write, touch, and move things. You could even create things as a whole group this way. I hope that is helpful.
Shonda
Thanks for the idea of going to the National Math Conference. I will have to check into it and get more information. My school district has made major cuts in the past two years, so any professional development we get is done on our own right now.
ReplyDeleteShonda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion of the PTA, but to be honest I don't know where the money goes from them because we never see it. I just started at this school this year and am still learning about things. I am actually suppose to get a document camera installed in my classroom this summer. Fingers crossed they go through with it. They are putting one per grade level. I am trying to get the SMART board, but have not been successful with that one yet. I guess one step at a time. This is better than nothing.