All of our upcoming activities, parties and special events can only come together through the teamwork of our Parent-Teacher Association, myself and our classroom parents. Together, we can make 2011-2012 a fantastic year!
The Parent-Teacher Association is currently beginning fundraising efforts to provide classrooms with the most-up-to-date technology in every classroom. I am hoping that all of our classroom parents will get involved in our PTA fundraising!
As I have spoken to many of you, I have noted some concerns about the use of technology in the classrooms. I feel it is important for everyone to understand that while students do enjoy playing games on the computers, there are so many other applications for technology in the classroom which enhances the lessons that I teach daily in every subject. In my personal experience, students are incredibly motivated to use computers and other forms of technology, simply because does feel like a game. In the 21st century, computers are all around us - in our homes, our jobs, even our telephones are more computer than phone!
According to EdTechActionNetwork, technology provides an wide array of opportunities to meet all the needs our students, including:
- Improving student achievement in reading, writing and mathematics
- Improving learning skills
- Promoting equity and access in education
- Improving workforce skills
Technology provides new and exciting opportunities for students to gain new skills. My hope is that through the teamwork of the PTA and the parents, we will be able to raise enough money to bring some new technology into the classroom this year. I hope to include these two new educational technologies into Room 9:
Space Academy GX-1™ (Educational Software)
To meet the California Science Content standards, Space Academy GX-1 allows to students to simulate being aboard a shuttle as a crew member, having the opportunity to " investigate the astronomical basis for seasons, phases of the moon, gravity, orbits, and more" (http://web.riverdeep.net/).
SMART Board (interactive white board)
To meet the needs of a wide range of students, an interactive white board allows for daily class participation. Students can come to the board and, using their fingers, write or manipulate the elements on the white board itself and the teacher can save and reuse the data. The interactive white board can act as a projector, showing videos or class notes, but can also use special software for lessons. An interactive white board is exciting and engaging and encourages student participation.
With our common goals, I am positive that together we can secure the funding necessary to provide our students with the quality education that they need. Thank you parents for all your support and encouragement! Please feel free to email me or post on the blog any questions or comments. I look forward to working with you and the PTA throughout the year!
Best regards,
Mrs. Bickel
Resources
ETAN - EdTechActionNetwork (n.d.) Why technology in schools? Retrieved from:http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org/why-technology-in-schools
Riverdeep, Inc. (n.d.) Space academy gx-1. Retrieved from: http://web.riverdeep.net/portal/page?_pageid=818,1383062,818_1383085&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
SMART Board (n.d.) SMART Board interactive white boards. Retrieved from: http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Interactive+whiteboards+and+displays/SMART+Board+interactive+whiteboards/885ix+for+education
