I have very mixed feelings about having a
networked classroom. My students, who are five and six, are unable
to independently get on the internet and complete a given task.
With that being said, my students last week used the iPads for the first
time and I was blown away. Out of 21 students, not one of them needed
instructions to turn it on, find the correct window, or play the games. I
was very surprised that every students was able to complete the given task.
Part of the reason why I was so surprised is because I work in a building
with a lot of low-income families who have no technology in their homes.
This also brings up another concern about having a networked classroom.
A little over half of my current students have internet service in the
their homes. This can cause a huge problem for those students who are in
a networked classroom who can't do things from home.
This year I have implemented online
homework. I post the assignments on a
blog page and than my parents/students respond to the question online. If the student does not have internet access,
I send home a paper copy for them to complete at home with the parents. This allows all families access to the
homework assignment. This has been a new
addition to my class this year. I am hoping
next year that I can add a class blog that tells my parents exactly what is
going on in our classroom.
A networked class meets students of all needs
because it allows students of different abilities to learn in different
ways. They are able to access the
information in multiple different means.
The auditory and visual student can access videos to help them have a
better understanding. Gifted students
are able to monitor their own learning.
This allows them to excel on their own without a lot of teacher
guidance. I have found some really great
websites that allow students to translate English into another language. These sites allow ESOL students easy access
to translations.
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of digital homework! I am certified Early Childhood and because of this I have always struggled with the idea of integrating technology. Now that I am the 21st CLA in FSHD I am finding technology to be wonderful. I also think it is great that your students did not struggle to use the ipads. I was worried that when I first took my job that I wouldn't be able to teach them anything bc they have grown up with technology. However, I found this to be untrue and I am able to teach them many great things. I most recently helped 4th grade to create Telegamis. I would also be very careful with the translating. I have found many translations to be wrong. Especially Google translate.
I can definitely relate to your experience with the iPads. I work with three to five year olds and even our youngest three year olds typically know how to work our iPad without any instruction. I enjoy hearing about your online homework. Do you get a good response from your families who have access at home? I agree with your thoughts on networked classrooms meeting students with different abilities. You have a good point about gifted students. I think they can often be overlooked and technology is a great way to challenge them.
ReplyDeleteStephanie I feel that for the most part the families that have internet at home do the homework. I have a harder time getting the families that don't have it to do the work, even though I send home the paper copy. The students love reading their responses on Friday in class. They actually get to see their picture up on the board and their own response. They get so excited about it:)
DeleteWhile I can't necessarily relate to your experience with the young students, I teach 6th graders, I really enjoyed reading your post. It is amazing what young ones can do with technology. I also have some students without computers and/or internet at home, and find myself providing opportunities for them to do assignments after school frequently . Most of my objectives are directly related to technology and its features, so a paper-pencil assignment doesn't always work. It can certainly be challenging.
ReplyDeleteI also like the diversity of technology. When I taught and didn't have access to all the technological tools, I found myself at bookstores and workshops trying to gain insight on challenging gifted students while meeting the needs of those needing extra practice. Now, I just look online and there are lesson ideas and suggestions for every topic and situation.
Thanks for sharing your success story with iPads in your classroom and good luck next time!
I can relate to how you would feel 5 and 6 year olds are unable to use a networked classroom. I used to teach preschool and pre-k and completely understand the low income situations going on. My thoughts on having a 5 or 6 year old on the interest even if they understand how to use it and making sure they are able to complete assignments. From what I remember how can a network really truly work in a classroom with that young of students. I do know the IPad has a ton of educational games for kids and it can be incorporated that way in the classroom... but how can those games or educational activities be sent home to the kids who do not have access from their homes?
ReplyDeleteI love how you incorporated a blog question to the parents and students to answer while at home once a week. How many students do you have to send paper copies home to?
I have about 10 students I have to send the paper copy home to. I only get about 4 back. I normally get about 8 students to do the homework online.
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