Well, our school is 30+ years old, and does not have much technology built in like the newer schools. We have a TV/VCR (I'm not sure it has a DVD player, but I'd imagine it does). We have an ELMO machine... (an electronic overhead projector), oh and an electronic exercise bike--does that count? Aside from our computer lab and a couple of scanners -- one which I donated-- that is all I've seen so far. We do have a visually impaired student who is getting her own "machine" of sorts but I'm not familiar yet with what it will be capable of.
Each teacher is assigned a laptop, but the students do not use it. That's pretty much it as far as I've seen. My cooperating teacher has a voice enhancer given to her by someone else, but she doesn't use it yet. I've not hear any talk either; our principal is brand new, and I think he's going to get used to the building and the staff before he looks into any technological advancements.
I don't think the teachers mind too much, I haven't heard any complaints yet. Perhaps if they got an opportunity to visit another school that does rely on technology, they may be more wistful. It would be nice to have a smartboard; a computer or two in our pod that students could use for differentiation; but if we really wanted to buck wild, iPads for the kids to use, or personal laptops, etc. But I just don't think many of GRPS students or their families for that matter would be responsible enough to handle some of that equipment.
As for my personal technology, I have a laptop, printer, digital camera, and flip video camera that I can utilize.
While it would be fun to learn and use all of the latest and greatest technology in our classrooms, I feel that too much of it isn't going to be a good thing. I Love the idea of taking children on a virtual field trip where they can go any explore anywhere in the universe. I love for them to be able to use a computer responsibly and learn how to do research or manipulate graphics/images.
But to me, having a child - or even an adult - sitting at computer for long periods of time is pretty similar to them sitting in front of video games. While I realize the computer should be used mostly for educational purposes, it can still be a hindrance.
I hope to get out of this class: Some new ways to adapt simple technologies to a lesson;, maybe some new spins on old information; learn how to create something simple --moodle site?-- that parents and students can use.
Yeah, I can certainly understand the limitations you encounter in your classroom. Though, I have to note that you're the first teacher I've ever had who mentioned an exercise bike in the classroom. Heh. I agree that too much computer time is not a good thing, particularly when folks are spending it on social networking sites or playing games, etc. I know that we now have a K-12 online charter school here in Michigan. From what I've seen of it, it seems more like homeschooling, but I digress. Anyway, it's nice to have your perspective in this class where you can point out the limitations of having so few technologies. I think that helps others appreciate what they have a little more. And, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can get some techie stuff in the future that is useful.
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