Welcome parents
to Miss Warchol’s fantastic fourth grade blog! I will be keeping this blog
throughout the year to answer any concerns you might have, as well as to keep
you up to date with the latest happenings in the classroom. I would like to
take this time to inform you of the PTA’s fundraising efforts for integrating
technology into the classrooms. We hope to gain as much involvement as
possible! I want to hear about any ideas you have as well as any concerns. If
you are willing to help out in the fundraising efforts please contact me
through this blog so other parents can also see what is going on and hopefully
become involved as well. I hope through this blog we can discuss ideas and keep
connected. Please do not hesitate to contact me, and let’s make this fourth
grade year one to remember!
Our goal this
year is to become more technology-based in the classroom. These goals include
adding more computers and other devices that will allow our students to prosper
now and in a technology-focused future. “Simply having students use technology
does not raise achievement” (Doering & Roblyer, 2010, p. 13). We must
integrate technology in a way that influences academic performance. I know that
in the past I have had parents skeptical about the uses of technology in the
classroom and how it applies to learning, so I would like to take this time to bring
up a few key points.
o
In
almost every job that is around there are uses of a computer or tablet of some
kind. “Students who use these in school have a head start on what to do in the
workplace” (Doering & Roblyer, 2010, p. 15).
o
Once
our students enter college, they will be expected to have acquired certain
skills necessary for research; utilizing the Internet is a major component used
in research for almost every topic.
o
In
an age where iPods and iPads are commonplace, our students are already more
technology-savvy than previous generations.
By having access
to technological devices, we will be able to meet the demands of ever-escalating
education standards. We will also keep our kids interested in learning. Although
concerns of using the computer for recreational purposes may very well be a
cause for apprehension, please let me stress to you that your children will
always be supervised while using technology and we will be monitoring the
progression of each child individually to make sure they do not fall behind in
other areas of the curriculum.
There are two
technologies that I would love to see put into use in our fourth grade
classroom. I would like to employ the use of the SMARTboard learning system and computers, because I believe they will benefit the educational environment. The SMARTboard
is an amazing device that is very new and provides teachers with the ability to
do so much more than what can be done with a white board or overhead projector. A SMARTboard
allows for students to learn through visual, auditory, and physical modes. The
students are able to get involved with assignments and have hands-on access to
activities the teacher presents to them. To learn more, please click here.
We would also like to see computers in each classroom, not only for easy access
to the Internet, but also to teach the students how to type papers and use
software to correct mistakes. Students will be more motivated to complete
assignments if they, “learn by creating their own products with technologies”
(Doering & Roblyer, 2010, p. 14). Computers would allow for more creativity
and individuality in projects. If you click here you can read more on what computers can do for your children in the classroom.
I hope that this
has been an informational and exciting first blog! I know that as parents you
want the best for your children, and I share that same mindset. Please do not
hesitate if you have any questions for the PTA or myself. This fundraiser
cannot be successful without the support from parents and any ideas or other
contributions you may have. I look forward to hearing your suggestions and working
with you to fund these technological devices that will aide in the success of
your children!
Happy blogging!
Best wishes,
Joette Warchol
References:
Doering, A. H., & Roblyer, M. D. (2010). Integrating educational technology
into teaching. (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
Patsalides, L.
(2011, December 22). Why and how to use computers in the classroom.
Retrieved from
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/elementary-school-activities/5638-benefits-of-computer-time-in-the-classroom/
Smart
solutions for promoting accessibility.
(2012). Retrieved from http://www.smarttech.com/specialed
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an
educational technology course at National University. It is not a real
fundraising blog.
