After reading chapters 5 and 6 in the text, I realized that I actually to utilize more sources of technology than I had realized. While reading about the six categories of software support tools, I noticed I use a quite a few of the tools currently, but also became interested in finding ways to use other useful software tools mentioned in the text. I use desktop publishing software to create my weekly newsletter that goes home to parents each week, activity guides, and most recently to create pretend passports and tickets for our imaginary vacation to Mexico. Data collection and analysis tools we use consist of a district wide computer based testing system, Aimsweb, to assess and monitor student progress, and also a computer system to keep track of attendance. Aimsweb has proven to be a fantastic tool in discovering where students excel and struggle in very specific areas of reading. The data this software provides gives teachers the ability to provide struggling students with material that is specifically directed to an area that holds proof to be in need of improvement.
A very common graphic tool used in my building is KidPix. Students use KidPix a lot in computer class when learning beginning computer skills. Since KidPix is a computer program that kindergartners enjoy and can operate independently, I plan to use it next year as a tool for letter and number practice since my students would otherwise have no exposure to it since next year kindergartners will not have computer class. I would love to use the graphic program displayed in the text called Graph Club. Beginning graphing skills is an important standard in kindergarten and I am always looking for new ways to teach and review these skills throughout the entire year. I think that program would be a great way to incorporate new, fun graphing activities into my instruction. This program also looks like a great way to expose students that may struggle with the concept of graphs to different examples and ideas of graphing.
I currently use clip art for a variety of different ideas in my classroom. Sometimes I enjoy finding just the right picture to add to the bottom of a parent note and newsletter, and other times I search for a variety of clip art for my students to use as a picture sort activity. My students enjoy working with a partner looking through pictures and grouping them. This also allows me the opportunity to accommodate students with specific learning needs by giving them the same clip art to group differently in a way that meets their individual learning needs.
I do not believe I currently use any research and reference tools. However, after reading about online encyclopedias, I think that would be a great source to use to introduce or discuss various new things to my students if I gained the access of a computer projection screen in my classroom. Other software tools I find to be very beneficial in my classroom is the Accelerated Reader software program. As students read more books and pass tests on this program, they receive a variety of prizes. This software serves as a huge motivational source for reading!
My students always listen to audio books, however, I think providing my students with interactive stories or electronic books will definitely add more exploration and involvement to listening to stories. I think this is one of many ways I can take a strategy I already use in my class and enhance it through the use of technology. With the use of software support tools, as well as multimedia and hypermedia technology, there is a great deal of opportunity to overall better student achievement, as well as accommodate specific learning needs.
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