Three technologies effectively used in the classroom.

I plan on teaching Kindergarten Language Arts. The SmartBoard, Google earth and Kidspiration are three ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. The SmartBoard is a useful tool because it requires hands-on activity for the students. It also gives the teacher a chance to observe the children who may have a difficult time understanding the lesson. Google Earth is a specific tool useful for virtual learning. My virtual tour on Google Earth was called Virtual Vacation to five different countries. It took the students to five different and they were required to follow directions when they clicked on the country. Google Earth can be set up individually, as the vacation to five countries is, or it can be set up as a group project, preferably for younger children. Kidspiration is also a hands-on tool in the classroom. It is used to set up group, oral assessments, or it can be used as a guide or learning map.

Learning Games are not always appropriate for teaching a child. Games can be distracting and they can lose their meaning quickly. Learning games should be a privilege for students who as advanced to the next level in the lesson. Games should not be used in the classroom as an actual way to teach students.

Using games, simulations, and virtual reality in the classroom

Yes, I see myself using interactive whiteboard activities, simulations/role playing, & virtual reality/worlds. It helps the children learn effectively in the classroom. If the game, whiteboard activity, ect corresponds to the lesson and it will help the children grasp the area of content it will work in my classroom.

The concept map is one way I would engage my students in their own learning. Using the assessment map as a way to guide the young children to learn whatever the lesson may be is a useful tool to use for the students. Using a game related website, such as starfall.com has a lot of learning games that teaches young students how to read and understand material. Using technology in the classroom can be a very useful tool to the students and the teacher.