Instructional Technology

Ipads for Teaching and Learning

Pre-K is STEAM-tastic!

STEM is something that I was not familiar with prior to this semester. When I heard that we had to do a STEM lesson, I was a little worried because I was not sure what STEM was or how to teach a lesson on it. Now I have grown to LOVE it! STEM is science, technology, engineering, and math. For my lesson, I had an art component which made it STEAM. My students created and designed their own shapes using foam shapes, foam numbers, and Popsicle sticks. Then they combined their shapes to create a bigger shape. I was so amazed at how they used critical thinking skills to engineer their shape. They had to think about their own shape as well as the shapes of their classmates in order to figure out what shapes they could make. This lesson was my first experience teaching STEM, but it could not have been a better one! I love STEM, and I will absolutely incorporate STEM into my future classroom.

Felt Board

Felt Board is a GREAT app for the classroom. I know this because I have used it in the classroom. This app can be used in many different areas of the curriculum. This app includes many different settings, animals, characters, numbers, symbols, and so much more! I used this app to support my math lesson on one-to-one correspondence and number recognition. I had four iPads to work with for small group, so I created different boards for each iPad. I placed a circle in the middle of the board along with a certain number of animals. Then I placed four different numbers in the top left corner of the board. The students first had to place each animal in the circle while they counted each one. Once they had counted and placed all the animals, they had to look at the numbers and figure out which number corresponded to the number of animals in their circle (which worked on their number recognition skills). The students did great with this activity and really enjoyed the visuals that came with the app. I would highly recommend Felt Board!

Can technology be used with Pre-K?

This is a question that I asked myself when I received my practicum placement for Pre-K. I had so many questions about how technology could be used EFFECTIVELY with such young children. Once I got into practicum, I realized that those five year olds knew more about technology than I gave them credit for. Even if it's an app that they are not familiar with, they are more than capable of learning how to use it. In one of my classes that focuses on technology in the 21st century, we had a "Master Appster" assignment where each of my classmates picked an app to research and become an expert on so that they could share with the class. This assignment really opened my eyes to how powerful technology is in the field of education.

It's not hard to see that we are living in a digital society. Social media is everywhere. Technology does have its flaws. But when it is used correctly and for the right purposes, it can unlock so many doors for the development of children.

What is Digital Storytelling?

Digital storytelling is a fascinating concept. Digital storytelling can include audio, video, music, and pictures. It gives children a way to be creative and express themselves through the use of technology. There are many benefits for students. For children that are shy and don't like to talk in front of their class, it gives them a way to express their ideas without the pressure of speaking in front of others. Digital storytelling also allows children to be creative. Tellegami, Toontastic, and Little Bird Tales are just a few of many apps that allow children to present information in a different and interesting way. Digital storytelling allows children to think outside of the box and really make their story unique.

Why do I want to be a teacher?

This is a question I have been asked on many occasions. The main reason is that GOD chose it for me. I have no doubts that education is where I am meant to be. When I think about my future, it excites me to think that I will spend every day impacting my students in the classroom. I want my students to wake up in the morning and be excited about coming to school because they know that I care about them and want them to succeed. I frequently look back on my school years and think about all the teachers that genuinely cared about me and my success. They did everything they could to help me reach my full potential, and I am grateful to them for that. I want to be that kind of teacher for my students. I want them to know that they are cared for and that I am there for them. I guess my reason for wanting to be a teacher can be summed up in one word. Inspire. I want to inspire my students every day and challenge them to find their own "silver lining".