Digital media and technology are tools. The goal in the classroom is not just to get children using them—but using them in a manner that fosters 21st Century skills. The classroom is a place where we can level the playing field between children who have access to technology and children who do not. They have the chance to explore multiple digital environments and media for the purpose of learning. Technology is integrated into so much of our modern world. We want to build citizens who are technologically safe, ethical, confident and creative.
Where students use technology in oure classroom…
· During Learning Centers they explore interactive educational sites on the Smartboard and on the laptop. This activity is partenered with a peer.
· We label photos ion the Smartboard in a daily whole class writing activity. The photos thematically tie into class discussions and student interests. At the beginning of the year, I bring in photos from my life to help the students get to know me and my interests, values, and passions. We then lead into labeling photos from their lives as well, to share and celebrate our differences and likenesses. This whole group labeling models labeling for their independant writing.
· We use the audio recorder on the Smartphone to record student voices for various projects. For example we recorded each student saying “Happy New Year”. We discussed how every student has a unique voice and played back the recordings to see if we could recognize each voice.
· We record videos using the Smartphone (and ipads when they become available) in various classroom activities.
· We have a classroom blog set up with kidsblog.org. Students are starting to write with enough skill that they will soon be posting their own blogs. To date it has been teacher driven.
· We are coauthoring an ebook celebrating what makes each of us special, using the Storybird site.
· Tumblebooks
· We use interactive smartboard lessons on a regular basis in the classroom.
· Photography is used regularly to document classroom experiences and student progress.
· Students have exploration time on the classroom laptop during learning centers.
· We will soon be exploring virtual field trips, Skype, and creative theater programs.
I am a huge fan of Matt Gomez, and use his website and blogs regularly for inspiration on how to use technology effectively in the Kindergarten classroom…. http://mattbgomez.com
Where students use technology in oure classroom…
· During Learning Centers they explore interactive educational sites on the Smartboard and on the laptop. This activity is partenered with a peer.
· We label photos ion the Smartboard in a daily whole class writing activity. The photos thematically tie into class discussions and student interests. At the beginning of the year, I bring in photos from my life to help the students get to know me and my interests, values, and passions. We then lead into labeling photos from their lives as well, to share and celebrate our differences and likenesses. This whole group labeling models labeling for their independant writing.
· We use the audio recorder on the Smartphone to record student voices for various projects. For example we recorded each student saying “Happy New Year”. We discussed how every student has a unique voice and played back the recordings to see if we could recognize each voice.
· We record videos using the Smartphone (and ipads when they become available) in various classroom activities.
· We have a classroom blog set up with kidsblog.org. Students are starting to write with enough skill that they will soon be posting their own blogs. To date it has been teacher driven.
· We are coauthoring an ebook celebrating what makes each of us special, using the Storybird site.
· Tumblebooks
· We use interactive smartboard lessons on a regular basis in the classroom.
· Photography is used regularly to document classroom experiences and student progress.
· Students have exploration time on the classroom laptop during learning centers.
· We will soon be exploring virtual field trips, Skype, and creative theater programs.
I am a huge fan of Matt Gomez, and use his website and blogs regularly for inspiration on how to use technology effectively in the Kindergarten classroom…. http://mattbgomez.com
This is a great resource that applies Blooms taxonomy to technology resources.