I know many parents may be skeptical when it comes to supporting the use of technology in their child's classroom when all they may see at home is their child playing games and goofing off on the Internet. I can understand your concern as children do love to use the computer for recreational purposes, although I assure you that in our classroom, students will be using all technology for educational purposes. Student use of computers would be monitored to ensure that students were staying focused and on track.
Studies show that the use of technology in the classroom can have many benefits such as:
-Influence student academic performance.
-Develop a higher order of thinking and problem solving.
-Improve student motivation, attitude and interest in learning.
-Help prepare students for the workforce.
-Address the needs of low-performing and at risk students and those with learning handicaps.
(Roblyer & Doering, 2010)
With these studies as well as the first hand experience of many teachers who have seen technology enhance children's learning opportunities, it is undeniable that the need for computers and technology in our classrooms is of utmost importance.
My wish for our classroom includes the use of laptops and a smart board.
Laptops-These would be a valuable tool in helping students research and learn the use of programs that they will be required to use in higher grade levels as well as the workforce. For example, in social studies when the students learn about other cultures, they will be able to look up information about other countries and cultures and write a paper or create a project on the computer about what they found. This would greatly expand the children's knowledge as there is only so much information provided in our limited paper sources. By having laptops to access the Internet, children will have an abundance of information on the subjects we are learning about as well as have fun and creative tools to share what they have learned with the class.
Smart board- The smart board is an interactive whiteboard system. Along with being able to project the computer onto the whiteboard in the front of the class for all to see, the smart board allows students to interact with the content being projected. For group activities and introductions to new lessons, the smart board would be an invaluable tool. When presenting new material to the class it is always a challenge to just explain to the student with words how to complete a project. With the smart board, I will be able to visually present the lesson providing the students with another vessel for understanding. This program also provides a wide variety of lessons to keep the students curriculum relevant and stimulating.
As the benefits of computers and technology use in the classroom has been presented, I want to encourage all my students parents to support our schools effort in raising money for such important classroom tools. It would make a difference in the lives of your children as well as our school and the future of all students who come here for a quality education.
I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read about the current events happening in you child's classroom and being an active participant in their education. If you have any comments, questions or concerns please feel free to post them here. I want this to be an open forum for discussion to happen between the teacher and parents.
References
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching.
(5th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon/Pearson.
Disclaimer: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
