At home I have the basic technologies, computer and printer. I also create DVDs for my classroom, holiday concert, and variety show so I also possess a DVD burner. Items for a complex'ish theater system also exist in the home.
My school district passed a bond last year and I am fortunate to be in the classroom model of the technology we will be receiving. I have a new laptop and docking station for many accessories. I have the new'ish Epson Brightlink projector which turns any surface into an interactive surface. A Mimio Document Camera was purchased so that we can get the Mimio software. We were originally going to get the entire Mimio suite until the Epson product saved us money and worked better from my experience as well as research completed by our tech committee. We have a Front Row audio system for voice enhancement as well as for connection to other audio components. I use a class iPod to play our reading stories. My classroom also has 2 netbooks for student use. Next year we will have 8. Our school has a netbook cart that can be signed out for class projects. I also have a webcam that we've used for Skyping with one of my student's parent's who is stationed in Afghanistan. I also have a class set of a Student Response System.
I'm not aware of too many technologies out there that I need. My only request at this point would be more of certain items. I would like to have at least a 2:1 computer ration for my students but 8 will be nice for small group work. In order to get technology into student hands more often I would like some tablets such as iPads or Xoom's. I hope to look for grants for that item next year.
My administrator is not very comfortable with technology but is supportive of others efforts to progress. She sent 5 teachers to MACUL this year and has allowed me to hold demonstrations and discussions regarding the technology for our building as well as building websites. This is our admin's first year in our building.
Technology is very underutilized in our building for a couple reasons. First, is that the bond project is not yet completed so the technology is not set up. The second reason, as explained in the info. literacy article, is a lack of training. A big focus of the bond and particularly of the tech committee, is the necessity for training and for training that focuses on curriculum integration and not just "click this in order to do this."
The students love the technology and I've invited other classes into my room to experience it. My class loves using the items, will often behave better if I give them the incentive, and are more attentive in class. I use the tech, but try not to make it too flashy so they are focusing on the lesson. Teachers are excited to see all that can be done. It remains to be seen how they will all follow through with this.
My hopes for this class is that I can learn strategies for properly integrating technology into the curriculum. I get excited about technology so I need to make sure I focus on the curriculum and not the tech. I know of several sites and resources and applications to be used for curriculum and I need to know how to plan and properly integrate these resources.
Your classroom sounds great. I agree that you'd be better off if you get the ratio of student to computer down to 2:1; though, I think I read research that the improvements in learning jump greatly when it's 1:1 even versus 2:1 or 8:1.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, your original comment has now appeared.