My Tech Space Vision — A Concept Essay
My Tech Space Vision — A Concept Essay
I am a teacher at a school for children with special needs, and I use technology on a semi-regular basis in my classroom. For example, my school offers an iPad station where students have the opportunity to play educational games during a designated period of time each day. Additionally, I use my MacBook to present digital images that correspond to my lessons. However, in my ideal classroom, I would integrate technology in a variety of other ways. Each of my students would preferably have access to an electronic device both at school and at home. These devices would allow students to access a variety of digital resources. I have seen schools use both ChromeBooks and MacBooks for this purpose, and I think either device would suffice in my ideal classroom.
I am a teacher at a school for children with special needs, and I use technology on a semi-regular basis in my classroom. For example, my school offers an iPad station where students have the opportunity to play educational games during a designated period of time each day. Additionally, I use my MacBook to present digital images that correspond to my lessons. However, in my ideal classroom, I would integrate technology in a variety of other ways. Each of my students would preferably have access to an electronic device both at school and at home. These devices would allow students to access a variety of digital resources. I have seen schools use both ChromeBooks and MacBooks for this purpose, and I think either device would suffice in my ideal classroom.
I would use technology to supplement instruction during daily lessons. This would be accomplished using different programs and methods depending on each lesson’s specific goals. I believe educational songs and informative videos on video sharing websites like YouTube or YouTube Kids can be used for this purpose—as long as they do not fully replace instruction. My ideal classroom would have an interactive whiteboard (SMART Board) or projector for presenting this material. Some websites offer “virtual field trips,” which can be used to teach a variety of subjects—Science, Reading, Social Studies, etc.—to students in an engaging manner (without requiring the class to physically leave the school). Educational songs and videos are perfect for keeping students engaged during instruction as well. When teaching elementary-level math, for instance, I might use the projector to play a song about addition, subtraction, counting money, or telling time. In this scenario, an educational song or video might help visual and auditory learners remember certain math rules and skills. To reinforce learning, the students would be able to listen these songs at home as well.
I would use technology to supplement instruction during daily lessons. This would be accomplished using different programs and methods depending on each lesson’s specific goals. I believe educational songs and informative videos on video sharing websites like YouTube or YouTube Kids can be used for this purpose—as long as they do not fully replace instruction. My ideal classroom would have an interactive whiteboard (SMART Board) or projector for presenting this material. Some websites offer “virtual field trips,” which can be used to teach a variety of subjects—Science, Reading, Social Studies, etc.—to students in an engaging manner (without requiring the class to physically leave the school). Educational songs and videos are perfect for keeping students engaged during instruction as well. When teaching elementary-level math, for instance, I might use the projector to play a song about addition, subtraction, counting money, or telling time. In this scenario, an educational song or video might help visual and auditory learners remember certain math rules and skills. To reinforce learning, the students would be able to listen these songs at home as well.
During instruction, the students in my ideal classroom might have the opportunity to use their assigned devices for interactive learning. For example, students might participate in a game of Kahoot! to review learned material. Games that encourage cooperation and participation would be utilized often. Not only do cooperative games get the students excited about learning; they also encourage students to work together and practice social skills. This would be essential in any classroom, but especially in a classroom of kids with special needs. Gamified learning would also be implemented during independent work time. Students might use educational applications and internet games on their own to practice material independently. The students would also be taught to navigate websites like Education.com or GetEpic.com that feature educational games, books, and other interactive activities targeted toward elementary students. This might be handy when students finish assignments early or during study time. Students would each have headphones to use with their devices during this quiet, independent work time. I might also supply other devices (such as iPads) for mobile games and applications. At home, the students would be able to work on interactive “homework” assignments using these educational websites. This would allow them to practice skills and review class material using digital games, activities, and interactive stories.
During instruction, the students in my ideal classroom might have the opportunity to use their assigned devices for interactive learning. For example, students might participate in a game of Kahoot! to review learned material. Games that encourage cooperation and participation would be utilized often. Not only do cooperative games get the students excited about learning; they also encourage students to work together and practice social skills. This would be essential in any classroom, but especially in a classroom of kids with special needs. Gamified learning would also be implemented during independent work time. Students might use educational applications and internet games on their own to practice material independently. The students would also be taught to navigate websites like Education.com or GetEpic.com that feature educational games, books, and other interactive activities targeted toward elementary students. This might be handy when students finish assignments early or during study time. Students would each have headphones to use with their devices during this quiet, independent work time. I might also supply other devices (such as iPads) for mobile games and applications. At home, the students would be able to work on interactive “homework” assignments using these educational websites. This would allow them to practice skills and review class material using digital games, activities, and interactive stories.