Technology Users

It's great that the Department of Education is trying to get the public schools updated with technology. There are students out there that know more about using the computer than their teachers. There is still a problem with really getting technology fully implemented. At my school, for instance, we know that there is internet connection, but only in the first grade wing and the office. The teachers who need to go through the internet go to the office to use the "available" computer or bring their personal laptops down to get connected. There's a power school program that's being used, but only certain people know how to use it. The students are not allowed to bring in any electronic devices to school, in fear that it may get lost or stolen. The computers that our school is donated are either outdated, not internet-ready or just can't be used in the classroom except to collect dust. Let's get real-----technology is great, but there is a need to get the systems of operation up and working properly and keeping it fully maintained so that everyone in the school system has access to it.

Interactive sites

I like to use technology as a way to get my students interested or motivated about whatever we’re doing. I look for age appropriate interactive sites that the children can work on independently. Some of my favorites are BBC and Owl & Mouse. Do you know of any others that are appropriate for first grade?

Changing Students' Perceptions

Being one that belongs to the game console generation, I myself had a certain perception of what a home computer was good for when they were first sold for home use. For me, one of the first types of commercially sold computers when I was younger were game consoles. As a young boy, I was fortunate enough to have played if not owned just about every game console sold on the market. So when the first home computers were being sold, all I was thinking about was getting one to play video games on. But now, after taking several technology courses, I know that there are so much more benefits to owning or having access to a computer and the Internet. This has really changed my perception on what one can do with a computer and the Internet. I think that I can use my experiences to help empathise with my students and hopefully change their perceptions on using computers and the Internet. Hopefully our schools will be given the resources to help carry this out. Only time will tell.

Technology

Technology is useful in the classroom. This class has given me the opportunity to have increased my knowledge with computer programs/files and networking. I have been using it to prepare my lessons, presentations, reports, grades, communication, social networking, to name a few. It makes difficult tasks easier. Technology has more to offer. more to learn and apply.

How I use Technology...

I use technology in different ways. 5 years ago, I have this old computer that I was going to give away ... to anyone that wants it. Instead, I bought it into my classroom for students use. I installed programs for them. I even trained the students to use the computer for other purposes. Then one year, I had a student with limitations but he loves computer. I as much as I want him to use or play with the computer, I didn't know how. A specialist showed me ways to adapt to his needs. I installed a "special mouse" where he could just hit once and it would do all the work. 5 years later, another student of mine, who also love computer, but was too small for her to reach the computer desk. Again, the specialist helped the little girl by hooking up a special keyboard for her. This keyboard can sit on her personal tray and still be used as a regular keyboard. And with her little hands on this wide board, she can surf the web all by herself. I still use the same computer for my students and I still find ways for all students to use it...

Technology in My Classroom

To be honest, there was time when I only used a computer to get my college work done, and did not use it much in the classroom. When teaching in Hawaii, there were at least 2 to 4 computers in each classroom, technology was incorporated into different types classwork. The students were able to work on their own researches and projects with computers and software the school provided. As a teacher working there, we were issued a laptop, a video camera, and a multi-media projector that we used in our everyday teaching. I brought that experience home to Guam with me, and use an imaging platform, a video camera, and projector to teach my students. As it is something new to the students, and like all children, they have questions and are awed about the equipment on hand, so I enjoy taking time out to explaining and teaching them the uses and proper handling of the equipment. I found that my students are always very attentive during my lessons. When they finally get the ball rolling, I know the students will be willing, ready, and able to continue learning using technology in this ever changing world.

Changing Perceptions

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When it comes to learning new technologies, sometimes it's the adults that need to learn more than it is the children.  But what students don't know is how to use technology for something other than fun.  When they see new computers in their classrooms, most likely the first question will be "Does it have games?"  Children don't use technology in the workplace because they don't have jobs!  What they use technology for is entertainment.  Makes sense if you're a kid.  They don't normally use technology for learning because it hasn't been presented to them in that way.  That's the challenge you are facing now.  How will you change your students' perceptions of what technology is used for?

Related articles

• Creative Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom (timesoftexas.com)
• How People Learn (and What Technology Might Have to Do With It) (education.com)

I remember

The first time I bought a computer for my children was 15 years ago. I didn't want to touch it for I was scared that I could damage it. I never had interest at all until the time all my kids moved to Washington. I told them to bring the computer with them. When I enrolled in a class that I had to do some research, I was advised to buy a new computer. I went to Computer 2000 to buy one. The dealer set it up for me and asked him to teach me how to turn on and off. I practiced typing and emailing until I learned basic skills. I become motivated to use the computer to communicate with my children. I also learned how to download Skype and often talk and see my family through skype.

High Tech!

Dear Sir,

Thank you for all the wisdom you share. I appreciate all I can manage to absorb. I will use more tech daily to be able to share with my students too.

Gateway to Technology

The Gateway to Technology class provided at UOG this summer is a great way for teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel to become educated in the great uses of different technological tools, from how to use Word, Excel, Video Conference, create Websites, use Google Docs, Digital Publishing, starting up your own Blogs... Wow!!! That's a lot for only 15 hours! We went from Text Processing to learning ways to create your own website!  This is just what I wanted and needed to at least step into the doorway of the techno-savvy elite out there!  Check out Tom and Joan's class if you can!  It was a great experience... The class is FREE, but you can also obtain 1 graduate credit for $20!  Check out the Gateway to Technology website for more information on this Professional Development course!