ECH 515-0101 Using Technology to Enhance Instruction

Over the last century technology use in the classroom has become of high demand. Aside from being an attention grabber the use of technology has the potential to reach students with different styles of learning as well as helps prepare students for the future. In the classroom today there are tons of technology devices that can be used in the

classroom. These devices also vary by age group where some devices have a much better outcome with one age while other devices are used successfully with that of another age group. The flowchart is an example of technology used in the classroom at different levels. At the birth to pre-kindergarten levels the devices I chose were digital cameras, LeapFrog products, and the TV/DVD/VCR. While on the other hand at the kindergarten to third grade level the devices were the SMART/Promethean board, educational software and classroom clickers. The devices that I chose to use at the birth to kindergarten level also vary by age. The digital camera could be used starting from birth. At this level the classroom teacher may use the digital camera as a way to capture different moments of the child to display in the classroom to display around the classroom which goes into environmental print and labeling in which enhancing vocabulary. Also in the toddler or pre-kindergarten classroom the teacher could use the photos to show the students to review daily events where they are able to show the beginning, middle, and ending which helps when the student later begins to read. The next device I chose is an learning company of products that makes educational toys for kids starting at birth. I have observed these devices in numerous child development centers starting in the infant classrooms and slowly progressing throughout the center. This learning company acknowledges that children learn about the world around them through curiosity. These items assist greatly with both phonemic and phonological awareness. The device can also be connected online and be customized up to age 36 months with new age appropriate learning material. There are also talking Laptops, LeapPads, and Leapsters along with tons of other devices to be used for higher ages in the development centers. These devices can be used as learning centers

during literacy time as well as extra support. Lastly in the birth to pre-kindergarten setting there are TV/DVD/VCR combinations. These are used to show educational movies and shows. Although most of the time the TV/DVD/VCR is located within the classroom it is not used on a daily basis, or for long periods of time. These shows do well with reinforcing what the child has learned and also expose them to things they may learn in the future. Although all the devices I have listed above are capable of being used in grade levels higher than pre-kindergarten the technology in the classroom is known to add on more devices that will further engage students. In the kindergarten to third grade classroom setting the devices I chose to discuss are SMART/Promethean Boards, educational software, and classroom clickers. I chose these three items due to prior knowledge and seeing them present in numerous classrooms thus far. The SMART/Promethean boards are interactive white boards that are also connected to either a laptop or desktop computer. With this connection the instructor is able to download/create flip charts using educational software and websites. You are also able to show videos as well which cuts down needing a television in your classroom daily. The interactive boards also allow the students to write on them as well. Educational software is also used on classroom computers during centers, learning stations, and as an aid for students who may need extra help. Educational software used in the classrooms varies from websites to an actual CD-ROM. Lastly classroom clickers are also being used within these classrooms. Classroom clickers are also known as student response systems and also promote active learning within the classroom. These clickers are used for quizzes and polls at this age level. Every student is assigned a clicker and the teacher is then allowed to see which students are using the device and which students are not.

Research has also shown that the game approach when using classroom clickers keeps the students engaged as well.

References Capaldo, C., Flanagan, K., & Littrell, D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sisltportfolio.missouri.edu/cgcybf/artifacts/teacher_interview_capaldo_flann

agan_littrell.pdf LeapFrog Enterprises. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.leapfrog.com/en/index.html Martyn, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/clickersclassroom-active-learning-approach