Video Reflection

This week we had the opportunity to watch a few videos of how teachers have implemented technology into their younger elementary classrooms. I think what most impressed me was the fact that these teachers proved it to be possible; implementing technology in lower grades. I am currently in a first grade classroom for the practicum and I was under the belief that it just wasn't possible, the kids are too young, there is no way I can use technology with them in an effective way. I was wrong. These teachers proved that it is possible. I really enjoyed the simplicity of it all; sometimes the use of the technology was simply allowing the students the opportunity to interpret and present something in a particular form of media. It would be so fun to watch the students take a particular poem or story or song and have them interpret and represent the text in a way that is meaningful to them through the computer and put it in a slideshow to share with their classmates. The teachers showed me that the students don't need constant supervision or instruction when working with technology. I was under the impression that in order for younger grades to use technology it would require the teacher to be heavily involved and doing much of the work while the students simply sat back and watched, only putting in a few ideas and their input here and there. It is quite the contrary, in fact. The students are fully capable of working independently or in groups once they have been taught and trained in how to use the technology and when the expectations are clear. I found these videos to be really informative and convincing; I felt more convinced and confident in the idea of incorporating technology into my lower grade classroom. It is an effective way to teach and the students are engaged and having fun. I will definitely more closely examine the prospect of technology with younger students.