Exit Slip: 12/9/10

Three Ways to Integrate Technology into Ella's Kindergarten Class:

1.) In my classroom, I plan to have different centers for the Kindergartner's to learn and explore. I believe one section should be an audio section where students can listen to different sounds, stories, etc. The audio could come from a computer or even an ipod or other listening device. In several Early Learning classrooms I have been to teachers are still using tape players for this. I think by now, students should be introduced to computers or even I-pods. Some people may think that I-pods may be too complicated for Kindergartners to use, but I disagree. The "learning" playlist would already be set up by me and ready to go, all the students would have to do is press play and put the head phones on (Kindergartners can do this!) As far as the actual audio files go, one type of file I would use a combination of podcasts and songs.

2.) Also, in one learning center, I believe even as young as kindergarten, the students should have access to computers. On these computers there will be learning devices available in several subjects. One program I might use is Scratch. I could use Scratch for a mathematics lesson or lessons in other areas such as reading and writing (ABC's, etc) as well. Also, there may be educational videos available for the students to watch on the computers.

3.) I also hope to have access to an Interactive White Board. I think an IWB would be a great way to get Kindergartner's attention and also help them build on their skills and knowledge. At this age, Interactive White Boards can help students build their fine motor skills (if they are able to use the IWB's hands-on) as well as effectively teach them the content of the lesson.

Other Ideas (All Grades):

• Video Streaming
• Blogging
• Scratch
• E-Pals
• Simulations
• Online Whiteboarding (Scribble)
• Course website/portal 
• Podcasting
• Wikis
• Online Multimedia

In class today, Dr. Boyer mentioned recording students reading (in early childhood education classrooms) three times a year. This way, I would actually be able to hear the students' progress and share it with parents. I think this is a great idea and I hope to do this in my future classroom. When I came into this semester I didn't really have too many ideas of ways I could integrate technology into my classroom. To be honest, I didn't even know I would use much technology in the early childhood classrooms. However, now I know that in the earlier grades it is just as important, if not more, important to incorporate technology in the classroom. As you can see above, I now have several specific ideas of effective ways to incorporate technology in my classroom. Although, I do struggle with technology, I feel as though it should be an essential part of all students' education. In today's society, technology is becoming more and more of a backbone and in order for student's to succeed we need to give them the opportunities to use it as early as possible.