Saturday, November 1, 2008

Reflections on technology used in my classroom and school

I am in a 1st grade classroom in Copperview Elemetary in Midvale. This school was just remodeled the past year and has some very nice up-to-date technology. Every classroom has a digital projector. This is used a lot so all the students can see they text being studied. We have used it in our introductions to the students. It is really nice and I already have plans to use it in many of my lessons. The digital projector also has TV, DVD, VHS, and computer hook-ups so the students can all see any media version.
Other technology I've seen, is a computer lab that the teacher's can schedule. Each computer in this lab has a program called Yearly Personal Progress (YPP). This program tests the students periodicaly through the year mostly on their math skills but also on reading and comprehension skills.
Each room is also set up with a microphone system. The teachers wear a mic around their necks that they can turn off an on fast, with a switch and it projects all around the classroom. It works wonderfully because even if the teacher is turned around, the class can still hear her. If the teachers need to talk to a student but doesn't want the whole class to hear, she can turn it off and then back on easily.
All of these things are going to be a great resourse for the classroom. I'm excited to use them.