Chapter 6 & 11 Reading Responses

Chapter 6: 
Based on the information in chapter 6, I am even more attracted to the idea of using more digital technologies in the classroom. Most if not all of the devices could be used to enhance classroom learning. Each device could be used for a multitude of different lessons. For instance, the chapter talks about using graphic tablets for annotating and circling key features on a computer-generated map. It also talks about how art students could benefit from using a graphic tablet to create more detailed and precise drawing using this technology. I love that technology is so versatile! In addition to technology devices being so versatile, I like the idea of creating more hands-on lessons. All of the technology make students become more hands-on learners and more involved in the lesson. An example of creating a hands-on lesson with a technology in order to engage the students more would be one that simply uses a digital camera. During science fair, it was also essential to have evidence that a student actually completed the project themselves as well as had a good visual aid in the presentation. So, in this instance, taking pictures with a digital camera would both please the eye during the presentation and provide proof the project was valid. 


Chapter 11: 
One traditional audio technology I plan to use in my classroom are talking books. I feel this technology can be a less expensive approach to many of the emerging technologies that are more elaborate and costly. Teaching early childhood students, this technology will be very helpful. I could have the students follow along in a book as they hear the book read to them. This way they can hear the words and match them up in the book as it goes along. 
An emerging audio technology I plan to use in the classroom would be a digital media player. Once again, this is a great low-cost option for my classroom. This device can be used for audio and sometimes even video. Again, working with younger students, I may be able to use this more. For example, I could play a song for the students to dance to or play music while the kids are playing or working. 
One traditional visual technology I plan to use in my classroom are bulletin boards! Younger children especially can be very visual learners. So, I think it will be important to have lots of colors, pictures, drawing, etc. posted around the room. I would like to put up good student work on the bulletin boards as a reward, which can be used as an incentive to the other children. I also plan to use a charted behavior board to promote good behavior in the classroom (yes, I'm going to be "that teacher"). Lastly, I could use the board to post numbers/letters/words of the week for my students. The more they see the concept, the chances are increased for them to learn the concept. 
Last, an emerging visual technology I plan to use in my classroom are DVDs. There are great video materials that my students can benefit from. During my senior year in high school, part of my senior project was to show a DVD about dental hygiene to all of the kindergarten classes. The students were able to learn a lot from the DVD and it aroused a good discussion on proper dental hygiene for the class. It was great! So, I'm sure that I could find more DVDs on an array of subjects to show my students. 

About Me

Hi! My name is Adrienne Sweet, I'm 20 years old, and I'm from Hicksville, Ohio. I am pursuing my BA in Early Childhood Education. I like country music, my favorite popsicle flavor is lime or root beer, and I want to become a nursery hugger some day.