Technology in the Classroom
The topic I wish to discuss today is technology and how it is used in today's classrooms. I believe one of the most effective ways to incorporate technology in to the classroom is by allowing the children to have fun while learning. If they feel like it is a game and they are enjoying themselves they will want to engage more with the computer.
I myself choose to allow the students in my speech room to earn time on the computer every ten times they come to speech they earn their lunch recess time on my computer. I allow them only a few web-sites to choose from. One of the sites I allow them to use is starfall.com. They enjoy this site, it allows them to start with something easy and work up to more difficult levels. This site starts with sounds and moves up the blending of words which leads to reading.
Another reason I enjoy using this site is because it teaches the children sing language. I have a handful of children at my site that are hearing impaired and use sign language as their form of communication. This allows them to feel comfortable and also teaches the other children how to sing the ABC's. I will guide them to the areas where they can get the most help.
The site is not only teaching them how to read and spell but, they are learning how to use a computer. Technology is going to be a necessity in the future and everyone will need to know how to use a computer.
Another great web-site I use is nickjr.com. I like this site because the kids are able to see the same characters they see on TV. They can relate to them and are more likely to work a little harder. This site however, is more for activities like art then academics.
I believe that if we don’t start incorporating technology into our curriculum at a young age children will have a hard time learning it when they are older. I know when I was in school we had very few experiences on a computer.
