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Getting Started
During my first year of teaching, there weren't many options for technology use. My students and I used desktop computers in the classroom. The students also used CD players to listen to stories. The CD players that they used were individual CD players so that they could listen to stories on their own. -
Smartboard & Document Camera
During my second year of teaching, my school got a Smartboard in every classroom as well as a document camera. The document camera was exclusively used by me during instruction, but the students used the Smartboard along with me. It was a great tool for guided instruction to include the students in the learning. The desktop computers and individual CD players continued to be used in the classroom this year. -
iPads are in the Building!
In 2012, my school got iPads to use in the classrooms. Unfortunately, we only got 13 to share for the 8 classrooms in the building. We had to check them out through the librarian, but they were a great new tool to use in the classroom! We continued to use desktop computers in the classroom as well as our smartboard & document camera. -
Let's Listen to Stories Together!
In 2013, most technology use remained the same. The students still used desktop computers in the classroom, and we still used our Smartboard and document camera. The only real change to technology this school year was to our listening station. Instead of using individual CD players (and having to constantly replace batteries), the students now started using a larger CD player and mutli-headphone jack to listen to stories together. -
Check Out These Apps!
When the iPads were first introduced, it was difficult to get new apps added. The iPads were all synced together and apps were managed by the district. In 2015, a new system was put in place for adding apps to the iPads and teachers had more say in what the app options were for the students. We started using apps like Quick Images and Splash Math. -
DreamBox Learning
Most technology use remained the same this year. A new addition was a instructional computer program called DreamBox Learning. This is a subscription program that the whole school uses to reinforce math concepts during computer time. The activities and lessons are age/grade appropriate and can be altered for specific students. Students can also login to the program at home to continue practicing math lessons. -
Technology Changes
Something that changed during 2016, is that I limited the students' use of the Smartboard. At this point, the Smartboard had been used so much over the years, that it needed some updates and fixes. Unfortunately, the district is not going to pay for these fixes, and it is difficult for the students to use because it does not respond properly to touch. A new addition to technology this year was a set of 5 Chromebooks in my classroom that I received through a Donor's Choose project! -
More Technology Integration
In 2017, I added Amazon tablets to my classroom. The students use different apps during station time for math practice and literacy practice. I also introduced STEM time in my clasroom. On the iPads, the students use apps that involve coding! The use of the smartboard, document camera, CD player, desktop computers, and chromebooks remain the same. -
iPad Updates in 2017!
So far this year, I have made a few changes to the way that iPads are used in my classroom. At open house, my students used the Aurasma app to create a "living display" for their parents to view! I have also added the use of the Osmo Gaming System to iPad use during math stations and reading stations. I received the Osmo systems through a Donor's Choose project. The students love them! The use of the smartboard, document camera, CD player, desktop computers, and chromebooks remain the same. -
STEM
In November of 2017, I started including a STEM time for my students on Friday afternoons. It started slow with building resources and experimentation. -
Gamification
I didn't realize how much gamification that I'm already using in my classroom. My students love Osmo and Candy Land games. -
Coding Technology
I added new items to my classroom this semester: Bee Bot and Code & Go Mouse. These items are great for getting my students involved in coding! I am amazed at how quickly they have caught on to coding. -
Technology Party
I recently hosted a STEM party in my classroom...for staff members! I'm not typically comfortable presenting, but I decided to go for it when I was accepted to host an Ozobot Party through Tryazon. Through this, I was able to get an Ozobot Evo for my classroom! My students love coloring coding now!
