Technology+Discussion


 * What are some barriers to integrating technology in your classroom?**

The number of computers available in the classroom - we have 2, but it is obviously not enough when the activity requires one computer per student. We have computer labs, but they are used for interventions and tutoring, so they are not accessible to individual classes for other activities.Limited time for technology lessons due to reading grant and curriculum guide constraints.Blocked websites making searches very difficult for students

I agree. First we need the basic resources like more computers in the classroom. I have 4 in my classroom including mine. Works out well since I have a small class this year, but when I have 25, it gets challenging. We also have computer labs but they are being used for intervention. I would like my students to learn how to type, use excel, and powerpoint, but time is a constraint.

**Do you have any lessons to share?**

Keyboarding is a third grade TEK - my class is signed up on the Connected Tech keyboarding program. I use the computers (2) as a center during the reading block - the students each have 15 minutes 2X/week - it isn't very much, and it only happens if required work is done. Needless to say, lab time would be a great help in accomplishing this TEK. We use the smart board as much as possible for all subjects - it is particularly well adapted to math problem solving activities. We did a PowerPoint presentation for Ms. Artis for Counselor's week - they wrote their letters, then we developed the presentation together using the computer and the Smart Board. They inserted their pictures, chose the background, etc. PowerPoint is also fun for science investigation write-ups using digital pictures taken by students of the investigation steps. The Elmo is awesome for close-ups in science activities. They all know how to orient the Smart Board and use the controls on the Elmo and the LCD projector. They learned these skills very quickly, and are anxious to help out whenever possible. They can also open the Pearson math program and find the skills we are working on.  These are major concerns for our students. I'm hoping that we can put our heads together and come up with possible solutions to so many barriers that we are presented with. If you haven't already done so, please view the video "Wiki in Plain English" at [|www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY].

Multiple factors affecting the implementation of new technologies have been explored by theorists and the conclusions are relatively the same. The modes of learning, characteristics of teachers-as-learners, ideological issues in schools and communities, attitudes, philosophies, communication, infrastructure, equipment and access to skills training are all contributing factors.