The benefits to students using technology in the classroom are that they are actively engaged especially when using ipads.  In most cases, it provides a visual for students to follow along with which increases a students understanding.  You can individualize student activities on their ipads or on specific apps or website programs like Lexia.  Students like using the "Epic" app on their ipads because they choose the books they read based on their interests and reading abilities. They can even listen to read aloud books and follow along as the book is read to them.  Their are so many great websites for teachers to use like Mystery Science that have amazing videos on subjects we are learning about in the classroom.

2. What are the disadvantages for student use of technology?  

The disadvantages are the amount of time they are on their devices at school.  Sometimes I think we might be relying too much on technology and students don't have certain skills that we once took for granted such as handwriting, pencil grip, scissor grip, etc.  Another disadvantage is not always being able to know what students are doing on their iPads.  Sometimes they do not get on the apps. they are told to get on.  Another disadvantage with technology is when we lose power in the building or our wifi is not working.  That can throw a lesson off a bit.

3. What is your favorite classroom technology? Why?

My favorite technology is one that we do not have in El Dorado, It is the SmartBoard!  I loved my SmartBoard in Wichita.  I liked it because it was interactive and the kids could click and drag objects on the board, and they could write on the board with the SmartBoard markers which I felt kept them a bit more focused and more engaged.

 

2.)Did students appear to be more or less engaged in the lesson content while using technology?
For the most part students were more engaged. I think they enjoy getting to do something different other then simple worksheets for learning tasks. I am sure there are a few who can not afford iPads so this is likely fun for them. There are always going to a couple of students who still manage to get off task even with an iPad. They find a way to be on the wrong app or they simply prefer to talk to their neighbor.

3.)What was the teacher doing while the students used the technology?
If Ms. Reedy was not giving instructions she was using the iPad time to have students come to her desk so she could either test them or help them get caught up on other work they may be behind on. She has a para most of the time. The para is usually walking around offering help if needed.

4.)What pros and cons did you observe related to the use of technology in the classroom?
Some of the pros I noticed were that the students were more engaged. They really like to have something to look at that they are used to seeing. Technology is something that is all around students today and is something they have come to expect. I like that she could show engaging videos or use online books with her lessons. I myself am a visual learner. I often have trouble grasping an idea until I can see it. With videos a teacher can find something and show it to the students so they can see what the teacher is talking about. Technology allows us to engage not just the ears, but also the other senses such as touch and sight. iPads allow students to touch the screen and feel like they are more involved. 

Some of the cons I noticed with technology were when one day the projector had an issue and would buzz very loud and had dots all over the screen. This was quite the distraction for everyone in the room. I happened to be there on state assessment day when they were using iPads for the test. Unfortunately not all of them work just like they should which caused the students and teacher to get frustrated and waste time.