Reflection #1

Technology in schools should improve learning and assist all students to meet high standards. It should support thinking processes, motivate and prepare students for the future.

According to the Reigeluth and Joseph article, technology has had minimal impact on K-12 education and there is a strong push to use technology to support teaching. I believe technology has had a noticeable effect, even at the preschool level. Whiteboards have transformed the way I teach and the children are motivated to learn. Students are able to do interactive story lessons, interactive leveled readers, sight words recognition, etc; all at the preschool level. Whiteboards have provided hands on opportunities in the classroom. For example, using pictures of objects to move and place according the positional word. Reigeluth and Joseph also mention allowing children as much time as they need to reach standards and allowing children to progress at different rates. At the preschool level, this is of great importance. Assessments cover objectives in four areas and are marked along a growth continuum. I pay close attention to where each child is developmentally for individulaization goals and lesson planning. Most of what we teach is a stepping stone to another skill. Therefore, it is important to have each skill mastered before continuing on. This happens with individualization. Along with this, I do have long range goals planned to insure kindergarten readiness skills. Any developmental delays are identified and a referral is made. On a different level, I have had the privilege of working after school with first and second grade. During this time, focus is placed on math and reading skills. Read-Naturally is a program that tracks their reading level and comprehension skills. Students are able to work at their own pace and seek teacher instruction. I have found this to be a great individualization tool when the teachers are involved.

Although, I can honestly say technology (once learned) can be a great tool in the classroom. I can agree with Postman when he discusses new technology driving old technologies out of business and I just had to smile when he talked about winding up the car windows and not minding the exercise it gave him. I don't know how many times I have been frustrated with technology and relieved that the old fashion way was ready to go. Recently, my preschool class watched a live feed of eaglets on Ustream. What a great experience to see the eaglets hatch. However, I don't think it compared to the experience of the caterpillar that was placed in a jar in the discovery area. Discovery area became the favorite center during choice for the next two weeks and the students were able to participate in the care of the butterfly.

I do agree with Postman when he says children learn social skills at school. Social skills give us the ability to communicate and interact with our friends, family, co-workers, mentors, etc. These skills are needed to be successful in life and therefore should be a part of a childs education. However, I would have to disagree when he says school has never been about individualization. A great teacher individualizes. A great teacher takes multiple approaches to learning until total class involvement is accomplished.

Furthermore, we need to teach for tomorrow. The future depends on the students. Our students need a school that will challenge them and that is school that incorporates technology.