Technology can be used in the classroom in multiple and various ways. It is up to the teacher to stay informed on the latest technologies and how they can be used to better a classroom. Three emerging technologies that I chose to investigate were skype, document cameras, and scanners.
Skype is a visual camera system in which a person can chat live with another person all the way across the world. Skype is a great way for a classroom to connect with another classroom. A classroom could skype with another classroom in a different country so that students could interact with other diverse students. Having a program that allows students to view the world outside is a great technology. Students can see how other students go through their school days. Teachers could also use skype to have conferences with parents. If a parent is out of town or is unable to come into the classroom, skype could be a great way to get that "face to face" contact. Skype is a step above a telephone conversation because it involves audio and visual.
Document cameras are becoming vital for every classroom. They are a device that projects the image of whatever you place on it onto the overhead. They can be used in a multitude of ways, such as reading books to a class and having kids share their work with the classroom. Reading a book to a class is great, but when the students can actually follow along with the words it is even better. This helps students learn how to read themselves, and helps with spelling and grammar. Students also love to view the pictures as a teacher reads, so this is a great way to make sure that everyone is entertained. Having a document camera as a way for students to show their work to other students is a great way to foster student pride in their work. Students love showing off thier work, and students can learn from other students when this occurs.
Scanners are a great way to include documents in your classroom that might not be readily available to everyone. It is very expensive for each student to get a copy of a text, but with a scanner the teacher could scan the text and give each student their own. This could save alot of money and benefit students at the same time. Bringing in new literature from different perspectives can be achieved by using a scanner. Scanners can also be used as a form of entertainment if a teacher scans photos onto powerpoints or other visual presentations.
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Document cameras sound like an interesting technology that I hope I will have the opportunity to use in my future. I really like your idea of using it to showcase readings for students, which would make it easier to see for all students. I love the idea of using scanners to scan interesting and fun images to spice up powerpoints. Your point in the Skype section about how it is important for students to be exposed to the world outside the classroom is a great point! I think that teachers/parents sometimes get frustrated when using technology and the students are hindered because of it. Hopefully you will keep this point with you in your future teaching and expose your students to as much (appropraite!) technology as you can!
ReplyDeleteErin, great ideas!!! Skype, document cameras, and scanners are all very useful technologies to use in the classroom. You did a great job discussing each of the emerging technologies and how they will impact teacher and student learning. You made some great suggestions on how Skype could be use in the classroom. I really enjoyed reading your response; it gave me some great ideas. Great Job!!
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