Chapter Six

     My most important learning this week was that I am already somewhat familiar with digital technologies.  I say somewhat because I have heard of and have been exposed to most of them mentioned in some form or other.
     I have used the following either at home or in the classroom:
* Digital camera- I have used a digital camera in the classroom to take pictures of the students on the first day of school.  Each picture was displayed with the student's interview on the wall outside the classroom.  The parents get to read the student's interview and enjoy their child's picture at Open House.
I've also used a digital camera to take a class picture that is  attached to a student autograph book for use on the last day of school.
     I have also used computers, headphones, speakers, overheads, and copiers at school.  I have used scanners and touch screens outside the classroom setting for personal use.
     Using the above forms of technology had a positive effect on myself as well as my students.  The students' classroom learning is enriched by being able to use the classroom computers for remedial games and assessments that are geared to them.  The use of headphones is useful to ensure that the students who are using the computers have audio, while at the same time, the noise not distracting others in the classroom.    I have learned that technology can be very effective in enhancing the students' learning!
 

Chapter Seven

     This chapter contained information that will be very useful in a classroom setting.  Some of the software I have used.  Some I have heard of but have never had the opportunity to use.  I have used Easy Grade Pro,
different assessment report generators, and very basic Microsoft Word applications.  The school that I'm at has just started to use an attendance program that will be entered daily on the computer.  We also use a program that assigns substitutes to teachers.  This has been very helpful and successful since it was implemented.
    I was surprised to learn of all of the possible uses for spreadsheets and also for teacher as well as student presentations.  I had always thought of a presentation from the teacher's point of view.  I was excited to learn that student presentations were not only beneficial for them to learn the process, but the presentation also helped to solidify the content area for the student.
     I'm looking forward to using some of the software applications that are discussed in this chapter.  Again, I think that they will be beneficial to  students as well as teachers!