week 12 lesson plans

Here is my language arts lesson plan, here is my mathematics lesson plan, and here is my science lesson plan. These are all for kindergarten classes.

What I learned from the technology videos:
The videos featured online about technology in the classroom were very informative and gave me a lot of ideas. I learned that teachers need to have knowledge of basic technology equipment operations and concepts, of technology resources and tools for information literacy, and technology resources and tools for content areas. I learned that using media is a positive way to present relevant and age appropriate information while arousing interest. I learned that using technology at school may be a child’s only opportunity to use technology and therefore will give them an opportunity to pick up vital skills. I also learned that it’s a good way to involve parents that otherwise might not be very involved. Using different software gives them skills in those specific areas, and helps them realize that there are a lot of computer resources available, such as the internet and cd roms. Being exposed to technology in the classroom helps them gain awareness of computers in society and helps them understand how computers are used in their community. I was very impressed with the students ability to use the computer independently, and I will definitely not doubt the learning value of technology in the future.

I watched 'bookends of war' and 'inside kapunahala'

technology interview

I completed the mid-course evaluation and the informed consent form.

For the technology inventory I interviewed the director of Dancing Moose Montessori School in West Valley City, Utah. Jennifer said that the technologies that are permanently located in every classroom include an iPod, an iPod player, a computer, and a telephone. There are also TV's with DVD players on wheels that are available for teachers to check out.

Although Jennifer is pleased with the technology in the classrooms, she wisher there were more resources permanently available. She hopes to include multiple listening centers, such as reading books on tape, permanent TV/DVD players, and a central iPod station “so all the classrooms could share all music at all times”. Technology is used to get ideas and prepare materials through the use of the website UEN.org and other websites as well. Powerpoint presentations are used to showcase different pieces of artwork and music when students are studying composers and artists.

An additional question I asked Jennifer was about technology use for different ages, and which ages tend to use it more. At DMMS computers are used extensively with children ranging from age three to second grade. Age-appropriate computer games are in classrooms and can be used during their free play time. Teachers in the toddler classrooms use computers to keep track of observations, and all of the teachers use email to communicate with parents.