Digital Technology

This past week we were assigned to research different types of technology used and/or issues/controversies surrounding technology in the classroom. In class last week we were able to play around with a lot of different types of technology, like iPods, iPad, digital and document cameras, interactive whiteboards, etc. Playing around with them, I thought of many ways to those things that would be so fun and amazing, like recording a book reading so the kids to listen to at a listening station or while reading out of a novel project it on the screen with the document camera so everyone can follow along without having to have the book in front of them. The interactive whiteboard was cool, too. I imagine it would take some training to learn the most effective was of implementing that into a classroom, though.

With so many topics to choose from, it was hard to choose. I wanted to spend time learning about all of them, so I did a little on everything. But what interested me the most and what has been on my since the beginning of the semester was the One to One Computing program and controversy. In this class I've been giddy about all the fun we have with technology in the class and I would really like to be able to send that fun home with my students, but worry about not all students having access to a computer. This program eliminates a lot of that hassle. It also creates a way for parents to have more access to the classroom as well. I understand that there are legitimate arguments against the programs such as cost and effectiveness, but overall I think it would be a great thing!