Software

Educators use different types of software daily.  To aide in my instruction, I personally use the following:

 

• Drill and Practice- I make PowerPoint slideshows to review sight words, letters, numerals, etc.

• Tutorial- I use the software our reading and math books came with, they have videos and games to help in the teaching of the subject.

•  Instructional Games-  Some games I use are the games that are included with our Scott Foresman Math Series and the Imagine It Reading Series.

• Problem Solving- I use the Jump Start Software to aide in teaching, I also use http://www.hekko.com/ , http://www.fun4thebrain.com/, www.ixl.com all for math. For reading I use www.starfall.com, www.mightybooks.com, and many more. 

• Simulation-  We use the gallery on our Interwrite Boards, they have many Flash games the kids can interact with, they love it.

Issues Shaping the Role of Technology

1. Legal and Ethical Issues-  There are 5 major issues with legal and ethical issues.  They are as follows, 1.viruses/hacking- viruses are written to purposely ruin your computer. They are sent through websites, emails and other ways.  Hacking is another big problem, people can "hack" or break into your computer and get all your information (this actually happened to our school system last year as a senior prank)  He or she downloaded a hugh virus onto everyones computer.  This was a major problem, and took a lot to get it cleaned up.

2. Societal Trends-There are 3 major issues with the societal trends.  They are as follows: 1. Econominc Conditions- right now America is in a major recession (we age coming back, but not yet) so schools are getting the ax.  They are cutting out technology so there is no money. Some experts say that they   2. Anti-technology- there are many people who are against using technology. Some might say it's taking away time from learning, some say students go to places they are supposed to, some say it's not as important as art and music, and things like that.  3.  The NCLB Act of 2001- The infamous No Child Left Behind act.  teachers now have to prove that all students are reaching the set standards.  They have to keep record of each student.  Predictions say that teachers will likely start using computers to track students progress.

What have we learned?!?

• Educators have learned a lot from past technology.  We have learned that teachers are not the one creating the software, they just don't have time.  So publishers usually send the software with the books you purchase, which is helpful and probably will not change in the future.

• Educators have also learned that they need to plan the lesson, and then see what resources they can use to aide in the lesson.  Sometimes you can use too much technology, and not get a lot  of teaching accomplished.

• Educators have learned that technology needs to coincide with literacy and math.  When students hit the real world, if they can't read, write, or problem solve...they won't get the job even if they can use the computer or whatever really well.  They need to practice both.

• Educators have learned that sometimes the technology is not desirable.  Distance learning and distance meeting have become ever so popular, but some people have a hard time learning that way.  A lot of people still want to drive to meet or see someone face to face.

• Educators have learned that technology will not replace teachers. In the 1960's people were saying that computers would take over, good teachers are more important.  A good teacher uses the technology and teaches at the same time.

• Educators have learned that technology changes faster than you can keep up.  There are always going to be new fun things out and availiable.  Teachers are trying to keep up and learning all the new things, and it's wearing them out. 

• Educators have learned that sometimes old is better than new.  Sometimes teachers get their new technology because of the "newness/neatness" but it doesn't always work.  A lot of the time it will have it's gligs.  So they end up using what is trusted.

My students using the Interwrite board

Here we are doing our daily data: This day's statement was "My birthday is in March."

Here are the kids working on a worksheet that I can do on the ELMO, project it onto the board so the kids can work with me.

This is the paper on the ELMO:

This is the paper on the board ( I actually write on the board, not on the paper):

This is a student doing her worksheet as she follows along:

All About Me!!!

Hi!! My name is Katherine Hames Griffin, I just go by Katie or Mrs. Griffin at school.  I am currently a kindergarten teacher at Banks-Caddell Elementary in Decatur, Alabama.  I live in Madison, so I have to drive about 20 minutes to school each day, not too bad.  I am back in school to continue my education (like all of us) I believe that you never stop learning, especially teachers. I would like to further my knowledge in the education world, especially in the primary grades.  My favorite technology...hmmm where should I start?!?! Technology is my classroom!! We use it day 1, and yes I teach kindergarten. Our school invested in Interwrite boards last year.  Each classroom in our school has and Elmo, and Interwrite board (or a Mobi), and a projector mounted on the ceiling.  I am now one of the technology coordinators for my school, because I hopped right on board when they gave us those Interwrite boards.  They are amazing.  I have found some awesome interactive websites, that the kids love, and so we use them daily.  I loaded all the reading games, books, and math games and books onto my laptop at school, so all of our stories are online, and they can play games!!  Sorry, I could go on and on about my board.  It is the greatest.  I will mention this,  the 2008-2009 school year my over DIBELS precentage was 85%, this past year (2009-2010) was 100%!!!  I believe it was the technology, the kids were very involved and interested every day :)  We also got "clickers"  They work with CPS and Examview.  There are premade tests or you can create your own tests.  The kids just hit their answer, and it send it in, and me as the teacher has results right then.  It's great for older grades.  I know in 4th and 5th grade, they even practiced spelling tests by having the kids text in the spelling word.  It's just something fun and different that gets the kids wanting to learn.  I will take pictures of my students using the board, and post at a later date:) Have a great day.
Here is a picture of the interwrite board:

Here is a picture of the CPS PULSE CLICKERS: