Integrating three different technologies in the first grade classroom.
1. Interactive White Board
An Interactive White Board is a technology that is made up of a computer
connected to a projector and a touch-sensitive board that presents the pictures
projected from the computer. The use of the interactive white boards (also known
as smart boards) integrates the functions of a regular board with additional means
that enable interactive and constructivist learning and teaching. The article, Using
the Interactive White Board in Teaching and Learning, mentions a wide range of
activities that the white board allows such as projecting presentations and short
films, writing, erasing the board as well as activities unique to this technology.
There is drag and drop meaning an item on the board can move in various
directions. There is animation where items can be spun, change size and move in
pre-determined direction. There is unlimited storage and quick recall of the
material. Also, this tool provides feedback. When touching a particular item, there
is visual or auditory feedback.
Instead of children working on worksheets individually, I would have the activity
on the board so the students can work together as a group and we would save
paper. They would also take turns by going to the board and demonstrating their
knowledge. There is a tool on the smart boards called the “split tool” where it
allows you to split the screen in half. It would be helpful in math where a problem
is shown on one side and the work or solution is shown on the other.
Studies show that student motivation and engagement in the learning process
increased when studying with the Interactive White Board and teachers reported
their professional development and enhanced technology skills. Incorporating this
tool in the lesson plan does not only benefit the students but the teachers as well.
It helps the teachers become technology inclined.
Manny-Ikan, Edith; Tikochinski, Tal Berger; Zorman, Rachel; Dagan, Osnat. Using the
Interactive White Board in Teaching and Learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of ELearning & Learning Objects. Jan2011, Vol. 7, p249-273. 25p.
2. Digital Camera
Digital cameras are educational tools that support purposeful instruction with a
clear vision on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and reflection. This article,
Using Digital Cameras for Multidimensional Learning in K-12 Classrooms,
explains the impact of digital cameras in today's classrooms, indicates effective
usage of digital cameras, and relates how multidimensional learning can be
provided for students by using digital cameras. Using cameras in the classroom
engages the students and keeps their interest. The students also embrace the
creativity and assessment opportunities that digital photos offer.
Rairigh and Kirby (2002,p. 36) point out teachers' responsibilities include: (a)
providing the instructional tasks for the students' engagement, (b) providing an
understanding and knowledge base for the use of digital cameras, (c) providing
access and instructions to students for the handling and use of this technology,
and (d) providing instruction and guidelines for using this technology to provide
feedback.
A digital camera captures the moments and memories. Digital cameras provide
the illustrations and graphics to promote concept attainment and to stimulate the
memory strategies. Digital camera usage increases analytical skills and can be
used as a means of assessing student performance. Having students know what
high quality performance is can effectively be documented through photographs.
When students recognize similarities and differences of their performance through
photos, students become more reflective and effective with self-assessment. This
process increases better performance.
I would have the students take pictures around the classroom while working on
special projects or during holiday parties as an activity. I would also allow them
to take a few pictures on field trips or nature hikes. I think the students would
enjoy taking pictures of themselves, their classmate and their teacher. Children
love to look at themselves and at the end, they would make a compilation of all
the pictures they have taken and see their growth. Supon makes a great point. She
said, “Digital cameras are more than just taking photographs. Digital cameras
must be used as an educational tool that supports purposeful and meaningful
instruction with a clear vision on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and
reflection.”
By: Supon, Viola. Using Digital Cameras for Multidimensional Learning in K-12
Classrooms. Journal of Instructional Psychology. Jun2006, Vol. 33 Issue 2, p154-156.
3p.
3. iPad
Devices such as the iPad now promote anytime, anywhere learning in schools
where the student does not have to be sitting in front of a computer in a laboratory
setting (Brand & Kinash, 2010). In the article, Exploring the Use of the iPad for
Literacy Learning, it mentions that the iPad has most of the capabilities of a
desktop or laptop computer, but with additional unique affordances, such as a
multitouch screen and a seemingly endless variety of applications, that promote
previously unseen possibilities for mobile learning. This device can help improve
literacy. The article also mention that children are more interested and engaged
when reading from the iPad because digital texts create new modes of reading and
writing as opposed to printed texts. An added advantage of digital texts, as other
scholars have argued, is that they can support individual readers’ text
comprehension and potentially engage struggling readers.
I think using an Ipad in the classroom is a great idea. There are numerous
activities that can be done with the students. It will be great for circle time
because the teacher can read them a story. The teacher can play music on it as
well and have the children dance and jump around during transition or a fun
activity. The students can also get into small groups and read books together or
play games or even sound out words on the iPad.
The link below is a video on how first graders use the Ipad in the classroom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOYvM8FdXtE
Hutchison, Amy; Beschorner, Beth; Schmidt-Crawford, Denise. Exploring the Use of the
iPad for Literacy Learning. Sep2012, Vol. 66 Issue 1, p15-23, 9p.