Technology in the classroom

Technology is loved by some and lower on the list by others.  So let's talk a little about technology that we have within our classroom.

Classroom computer center
This is the center where our students are able to use either a desk top computer or a lap top.  We also have our listening center (books on CD) available.  In this center, our students are learning how to explore the computer, using the mouse, and doing it with a friend usually!  Using both sides of the brain while on NickJr.com, PBS.com, DisneyJr.com, or Letter CD Roms are all available.

We use a timer to limit a child's exposure "screen time" in this center, while also enabling other children to explore it.  While we do offer free centers, and the ability to pick and choose the centers they want to explore; our classroom sizes are up to 20 and we want to ensure every child has the opportunity to explore this one.

The Computer center is popular, and our children love to play games on them.  As their teachers, we assist in choosing the site of play. They are learning letters, numbers, cooperation (as they work with a partner at their center), and so many more things while at the computers!

Ipad Center
Children sign in and out on their Ipad clipboard with their name.  Spending an average of 10 - 15 minutes of play at this center (to give space for others).  We have one center purchased Ipad.  This device is where any Itunes gift cards donated to the classroom have purchased apps with.  We also have two Ipads that Miss Shelly brings to the classroom with her (almost daily), enabling our Ipad center to have 2 devices used daily.  We not only play fun games on these devices, but we play educational games!

A Favorite on the Ipad is an app "Teach Me Kindergarten".  This app uses Math (adding and subtracting, combined with number recognition), Spelling (hearing the word, listening to the missing letter sound and finding the missing letter), Dolch Sight Words, and letter/number writing.  This app is available on both of Miss Shelly's Ipads and we have the capability of having 25 children per device for their own personal growth.  If you ever want to check out the apps available, please ask us and we would LOVE to show you the devices!

       

While some families do not promote an extended amount of "screen time" for their children.  We work diligently on ensuring children are choosing rounded centers without spending their time on the computer or Ipads throughout choice/free time.

Television and Wii
We have not yet used either of these devices within our classroom, although we anticipate using them during our Olympic themed week showcasing the Wii Fit board and ski jumping.  While we use this technology, the children will be using clipboards and learning how to properly document and graph their jumps.  A little bit of technology mixed with Math = learning through play!

Bee-Bot

Our Bee-bots are county owned.  We have them for a few weeks and then they will travel to another classroom for a few weeks.  We will have the opportunity, hopefully, for them again towards the end of our school year.

These are robots that our students program to follow a grid placed on the floor.  The beautiful thing about these is that the teacher is able to design the lesson as they want.  We have done two lessons so far with these bee bots.

1. Initial showcasing, we had numbers and gross motor skills (jump, sit up, wind mill, jumping jack, etc.) on the grid.  The Bee Bot was programmed to stop at a number and then stop at a skill.  What ever number it stopped at we had to perform that many tasks.  (Connecting also number recognition and letter recognition).
2. Small group setting (no more than 5 per group), with the numbers 1 - 10 on the mat.  The children were asked to take turns.  The first student programmed the Bee to stop at the number one (letter recognition) while the other students encouraged (understanding how to work in a group setting) them and checked their results.  Then once the bee bot landed on the correct number the next child took their turn towards #2 and so on and so forth.

**More pictures of the Bee bots in use will be on the blog this week** (I'm so sorry as I left all 3 Ipads at the school this weekend and they contain all of the pictures!

You can find more information about Bee-Bots by clicking the link.

Cameras

We post loads of pictures on TS Gold as well as this blog.  Our children will now begin to also take pictures, using our child friendly camera, and we will be uploading them onto their personal TS Gold page as well as sending some great ones home with them!

If you have any further ideas for technology in the classroom, we would love to hear your ideas!!!!!