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My Visit to a
"Technology-Rich"
Classroom
In today's society, we often find ourselves learning all the "new" technological opportunities from children. They find themselves growing up in a society with a great emphasis on technology-video games, computers, DVD players, CD players, and the list goes on and on! Children really have no choice but to learn how to use the variety of resources given to them, and where better to learn them than at school!I had the opportunity to visit, what we refer to as, a "technology-rich" classroom, and I was quite amazed at what I saw! Obviously I saw the basics in the classroom, 5 computers, a CD player, a television and VCR, and a telephone, but it was how these resources were used that impressed me most!
When I first walked into the classroom, I was surprised to see nobody using any of the equipment. It almost seemed like the children didn't even know it was there! I know, if I walked into a classroom as young as these elementary students, I would be attracted to nothing but the computer or television. But, they just went about their business.
These students have learned when to use the computers and television, and when to settle down and do their work. I was surprised to see that the students were oblivious to the technology around them, but then I realized, these children grow up with it everyday. Even if they don't have it in their homes, they still see it all around them! Something I never had when I was growing up.
I remember walking down the hall once a week for "computer time." Now, the children walk 5 feet to the back of their room and they are online, with thousands of other children in this world! I got to play "Oregon Trail" with a partner sitting next to me! Far from how things are now!
The teacher who's classroom I was observing, allows her students to use the computers during free time. They still take time once a week to go to the computer room, but in their classroom, they are allowed to use the computers at their leisure during down time. Of course, the teacher uses them for some lessons as well, but for the most part, the students use them after their lessons are done for the day.
The students are also able to take reading tests on their computers. Each child has a reading level, and quizzes are on the computer through certain software. The students know when they can take the tests, and they do so on their own. They know the password, how to get into the program, and how to print the results for the teacher!
The teacher also uses the computer to make her own tests and worksheet activities. When I was a student, we had photocopied pages from an old book, but now the teachers are able to create their own questions, based on topics the children are familiar with.
As for other technological resources in the classroom, they come into play quite a bit. The teacher uses the CD player while children are working quietly. She has noticed this relaxes the children while doing their work, and it helps them all concentrate better. I never had this growing up in the school, I had to concentrate all on my own!
The teacher also said she uses the television when talking about current events. Her classroom is equipped with cable, and the children have become familiar with CNN. This is especially helpful with all that has been going on in the world since September 11th, and she is grateful she has the access to such media.
Each classroom in the building is equipped with a phone system, much like other schools. However, teachers are able to connect with other teachers down the hall with this system, making it more convenient for them to make plans and such.
Most of my observation, as you can see, is based on how the children react to and use these resources in their classroom. They are so used to them being there, that I truly don't think they would notice the computers, or CD player, or television until they walked into the classroom and they were not there any longer!
It is unfortunate that not every school district can afford such great equipment for their classrooms, and I am sure there are other classrooms in this country with better technology than the one I observed. However, all classrooms are filled with more technology than when I went to school, and I think it is amazing! Such great opportunities for our children today!