Observation of Technology Use in the Classroom
The school I did my clinical experience was very technologically enriched. The school policy on electronic devices is to bring your own technology (BYOT). Students are allowed to bring any electronic devices that they want and use it almost whenever they want. At first this concerned me because I figured that the students would use their electronic devices inappropriately and the teacher would not have any control. However, that was not the case. My teacher was pretty specific as to when the students could use their electronics. For example, they could use them during recess, lunch, before dismissal, and during down time but not when they were doing a test or activity that did not require their devices.
The school has everything from Promethean boards in most of the classrooms to document cameras, and full class IPad carts and Chrome Book carts the teachers can check out. The IPads impressed me the most because they are full of great apps that allow the students a wide range of educational and fun learning. The students were great using the IPads. They used them carefully and properly. The teacher also used the technology every day I was there. She put up images, timers, and directions on the Promethean board. As well as, slide shows, problem of the day questions, videos, and played music on it. She also used the IPads a lot, whether it was for them to send in their test answers, or to use an app for an activity. She even suggested I use more technology in my lesson plans.
So for two days I watched the students work on a math project where they had to research a building in downtown Charlotte and find facts about it. Then, they had to make a model of it and find its volume in centimeters and feet. The students did the research in class, using their tablets, cell phones, and class set up computers to look up information. The students worked diligently finding information, pictures, and facts about the buildings downtown. One student in a group would find something interesting and show another person in the group. They even shared their devices with one another, so that not just one person was doing the work. When it was time to present their group projects, the teacher put up a picture of Charlotte’s skyline on the Promethean board to enhance their presentations.
Of course with all the positive uses of the devices, there are going to be some negatives. One thing I noticed was that while the teacher was speaking, showing a video, or working on something while the students were working; there were students who would be texting under their desks, listening to music, playing a game, or watching a video. Not everyone was doing this and it did not happen all the time but it did happen. I saw one student pull out their phone and use the calculator on it while they played Jeopardy for the review on volume, after the teacher said no calculators. When the teacher saw these students using their devices at inappropriate times they were given silent lunch. However, a lot of the time the teacher did not see it.
The school has everything from Promethean boards in most of the classrooms to document cameras, and full class IPad carts and Chrome Book carts the teachers can check out. The IPads impressed me the most because they are full of great apps that allow the students a wide range of educational and fun learning. The students were great using the IPads. They used them carefully and properly. The teacher also used the technology every day I was there. She put up images, timers, and directions on the Promethean board. As well as, slide shows, problem of the day questions, videos, and played music on it. She also used the IPads a lot, whether it was for them to send in their test answers, or to use an app for an activity. She even suggested I use more technology in my lesson plans.
So for two days I watched the students work on a math project where they had to research a building in downtown Charlotte and find facts about it. Then, they had to make a model of it and find its volume in centimeters and feet. The students did the research in class, using their tablets, cell phones, and class set up computers to look up information. The students worked diligently finding information, pictures, and facts about the buildings downtown. One student in a group would find something interesting and show another person in the group. They even shared their devices with one another, so that not just one person was doing the work. When it was time to present their group projects, the teacher put up a picture of Charlotte’s skyline on the Promethean board to enhance their presentations.
Of course with all the positive uses of the devices, there are going to be some negatives. One thing I noticed was that while the teacher was speaking, showing a video, or working on something while the students were working; there were students who would be texting under their desks, listening to music, playing a game, or watching a video. Not everyone was doing this and it did not happen all the time but it did happen. I saw one student pull out their phone and use the calculator on it while they played Jeopardy for the review on volume, after the teacher said no calculators. When the teacher saw these students using their devices at inappropriate times they were given silent lunch. However, a lot of the time the teacher did not see it.
Reflection:
Overall, I liked the idea of students having their own technology in the classroom. I was not so sure about it at first because I thought it would be a distraction but the idea really grew on me. I also loved how my teacher incorporated a lot of technology in the classroom. Our world is advancing in technology and this teacher used that as an advantage to the students’ learning. I think this is awesome because it also implements the 21st century skill of Information, Media, and Technology skills. The students are getting multiple opportunities to advance their technological skills and learn in the process. As a future educator, I would definitely consider working at a school like this one, so that I can use technology as much as possible in my classroom. This makes learning fun and there are so many more activities to do with the students by using technology. However, I was with a fifth grade class who were well disciplined. I wonder how controlled the younger grades are with technology in the classroom. This would be something to consider if I chose to teach in the primary grades.
Overall, I liked the idea of students having their own technology in the classroom. I was not so sure about it at first because I thought it would be a distraction but the idea really grew on me. I also loved how my teacher incorporated a lot of technology in the classroom. Our world is advancing in technology and this teacher used that as an advantage to the students’ learning. I think this is awesome because it also implements the 21st century skill of Information, Media, and Technology skills. The students are getting multiple opportunities to advance their technological skills and learn in the process. As a future educator, I would definitely consider working at a school like this one, so that I can use technology as much as possible in my classroom. This makes learning fun and there are so many more activities to do with the students by using technology. However, I was with a fifth grade class who were well disciplined. I wonder how controlled the younger grades are with technology in the classroom. This would be something to consider if I chose to teach in the primary grades.