After discussing the physical, technical, and curricular components of using technology effectively in the classroom, touring Lincoln Elementary was the perfect chance to see exactly how technology can be successfully implemented. Merely having technology present in the schools will not help students learn. Using technology in the most effective way is what is going to make a difference for students.
From a curricular stand point, it appeared as though technology was used to help supplement student learning. In the third grade class, students used technology as a way to help learn spelling words. The game was relevant to the curriculum because the teacher could put her own list of words into the game. The teacher also had a class website for students and parents to use to get homework assignments, spelling words, or links to learning games. In the fourth grade class, students used technology in their free time to research answers to questions on the research board or to play supplemental games.
In the limited time spent in the classes, I did not see any use of technology engaging higher order thinking skills. This could be because there was not time to show, or else students are using technology at a basic level. Also, it seemed as though the use of the computers in the classroom occurred mostly during free time. To be more effective, students need to have structured time for using computers and learning games.
From a technical aspect, the technology in the school appeared up to date and functioning properly. The students seemed to be comfortable using the technology and had the background knowledge of how to use it independently. Students created power point slide shows to present to the class. Students were also able to access various games on the Internet.
The physical component of using technology effectively is important for student access and ease of use. The placement of technology in the room was set up in a way that all students had access to it in an efficient way. Other effective physical components of technology in the classroom included a mounted projector, an amplification system, a school run television show, and on-site technology support. Also in the classroom were three computers available for student use. However, having three computers in one area does not make it easy to have students do group work. It would be more effective to have separate computer stations spread out in the room.
Overall, Lincoln Elementary is effectively using technology. The school has a successful, basic level of integration of technology in the classroom. However, some aspects of the technology could be changed to better benefit students’ learning. I think it would be more effective and beneficial if students were using technology to engage their higher order thinking skills. One of the reasons the teachers have not used technology to engage students on a higher level may be because the teachers are not comfortable enough with technology to take it to the next level or they may not know how to. Maybe their students could help them come up with ideas to help make technology more engaging in their classroom.
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