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Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Technology in the elementary classroom

Since I could not figure out how to become a contributor or post my own blog I have decided to leave a comment that is rely my responce. I like the reading, and I thought the all of the examples of for using technology were helpful. I would not have thought of that many ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. I feel like I have learned a lot in just one week, but since I can't figure out how to blog yet, it seems I could still learn much more. I was excited to learn how to use the editing feature on Word and how to insert a hyperlink into the document.

I was surprised when the reading mentioned the early ages that students are being taught to type. I don't have any recollection of typing in the school setting until middle school. I did have a typing program at home also, but I did not actually learn how to type efficiently until I took keyboarding class my freshman year of high school. I think it is extremely important to teach students to type, even if they can not master the skill at such an early age. I agree with the book that the word processor can be used even if the skill of typing has not been perfected.

I think it is important to balance the use of technology and the use of paper and pencil writing. One reason I think this is because the students we will teach have grown up using instant messanger and texting, so they already have an idea of typing. They also are probably in the habit of using shorthand when they are typing, and I think writing in school will help break that habit. They can learn when to use formal and informal language. I was excited to hear that teachers are trying to incorporate so much technology into the "standard" school curriculum.