The last time I blogged I mentioned a few ELL students I think would really benefit from using iTouch's in the classroom. I still think the Touch is a good tool to be used for differentiated instruction. I have been thinking about the process of teaching the students how to use the touch. The simple act of teaching a student how to use the Touch before allowing them to actually use it, can be very time consuming and even over whelming for a student who is having a heard time reading to begin with. Not saying I don't think we should use Touches in the classroom, just that time needs to be taken into consideration.
These mini computers can be very useful for students and teachers. They may not be a full computer, but they can still help students at different levels further their education, allowing them to use multiple apps designed for a specific learning target. They are also useful for students to find a comfortable place in the classroom to concentrate on learning. For teachers, they are a great way to assess a students learning and keep on going records of every student anywhere in the school building.
I haven't been able to physically use my Touch in the classroom with these particular students yet, so my opinion could change. I have a great MT, but she doesn't use much tech. As I slowly move into my full time student teaching, how can I incorporate more technology into the classroom without freaking out the kids and still respecting my MT's style?
Using tech is pretty much like using any other teaching methods that are new to your classroom... everyone pretty much understands that student teaching is much more than just imitating what's already being done.
ReplyDeleteHow would you know if you were overestimating how much time it would take to teach kids how to use the touch? What if it's designed to be very intuitive? Thousands of kids are using these tools... and usually with very little instruction :)
What if you just proposed a way to use your Touch in the next few weeks? Would you MT say "No"?
I think it would be really cool if you incorporated more tech in your classroom. We have to teach two units and you get to choose the assessments. Why not display your students work on some of the great tools we learned in tech class?
ReplyDeleteCurious Gertie made a photostory with her daughter and it turned out great. Her daughter designed some pictures and read each page. I recommend looking at it. Your students might enjoy doing something like that as a way to post/show off their work.
Plus, if you use the tech, when you go into interviews you can give examples of the tech you used during your student teaching! You have proof too:)
Good luck!