Emerging Technologies Blog #1

1. Where you are and where you want to go with Technology in your classroom.

Right now, I am in a pretty technology rich environment. I am able to give my kids access to hands on technology applications, and rich authentic learning. However, when I transition to second grade next year, I want to still be able to provide the same technology rich environment that I am used to, but see myself struggling with how to do that. I believe that technology is these kids future, and it is up to us to make sure they are immersed in it now. I think that technology is a fantastic way to teach topics that could either be rather boring at times, or provide that extra step of further instruction to really bring the lesson to life, and make it authentic.

2. What are your top 10 elements of a 21st Century Classroom?

Here is my top 10 “wish list” for a 21st Century Classroom!

10. Endless supply of student supplies (pencils, paper, markers, scissors, etc)
9. Every new children’s/pre-teen book in print AND available with audio
8. A Homework grading robot for the teacher! J
7. All software needed for a complete digital storytelling classroom set (microphone, background music, etc)
6. Classroom set of updated and newest computer software and video software.
5. Complete set of classroom clickers
4. Interactive textbooks that is available on the computer as well.
3. All-in-one Palm Pilots complete with camera, video, music, calculator, calendar, dictionary, thesaurus, etc.
2. A Whiteboard (SmartBoard) with airliners for each student.
1. Touch screen laptops for each student in the class!

3. What kind of learning environment do I want to create for my students?

The kind of learning environment that I want to create for my students is an environment where they can feel free to explore and learn things that they might never have thought about before. I want them to dig deeper and ask those ‘why’ questions. I want my students to rely on each other more than they rely on me, and feel comfortable with one another to ask each other for help. I want to prepare my students for the jobs that they will have that don’t even exist yet!

4. What resources do I have to help me create that learning environment?

The resources that I have available to me as of right now are a SmartBoard, scanner, digital camera, and one computer for every 2 students. However, when I move down to second grade, I will lose the scanner and the one computer for every two students. I will only have a total of three computers in my room.