To have the amount of technology we have today available is a blessing but it can also be a huge distraction to my kiddos. I love using the smartboard in my classroom to show videos, work on problems, writing skills and taking turns. It is great for students to get exercise as well, I use gonoodle.com to not only get them moving but I can also use it to center them and get them calmed down with items for meditation. I have a routine in my room where we use it after lunch to calm them down and again right before they depart school to get them calmed for the bus ride home.
Technology can be a huge asset to give those without a voice, a voice. It can help teach not only the fun things like games but I use education.com and each student has an account that I can see their progress on learning math and reading skills. I use ABCmouse.com as well which does give them an opportunity to play while learning. I have mobymax for my higher learners as well as starfall for my preschool level.
Technology can be a hindrance though if you have students who are in front of computers all the time at home. I have created centers for the students where they are on it for no more than 15 minutes per center. During choice time I sometimes take that choice away if behavior does not warrant that reward. It is understood, might not be liked but it does make them do other things, normally art.
I find that I do enjoy using technology in my room and I know the students are more visual so they learn faster with it and keep engaged in lessons. I normally have about 6 minutes of lesson from me and I add in 10 minutes with technology to bring my lesson home with the students. It has been very beneficial!
Great reflection! I like how you utilize technology for whole group, small group and independent use. Your reflection also shows how you integrate technology to engage your learners, target their learning needs (visual representation) and modeling of skills/steps.
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