More Technology

It would be great to use some of the tools in my classroom that were taught in my EDSE 241 class the last time we met . In particular it would be good to have my students respond to a questionnaire handled by Word. Using the check box form field, drop down form field and the text form field would all foster language development. With carefully chosen questions this could be a very beneficial activity.

But what about software? My husband and I purchased nearly all of the computers that are in my classroom. This made it possible to be fast, to have control and to get what we wanted. My classroom aides purchased a used iMac for the children too. They are very generous with the children. In many ways they are fantastic.

We have six used iMacs, an HP windows machine, an old district windows machine and a macMini used to run PowerPoint Shows. The macMini is strictly off limits for the children, however they have free reign over all of the other computers.

Word isn't on any of the computers that the children use in the classroom. Putting it on one of the old iMacs wouldn't work for two reasons. The iMacs are pretty old and the children wouldn't understand why they suddenly have to do as instructed when using one of their computers.

A language rich questionnaire for the children could be put on one of the computers in the library, which is adjacent to our classroom. The children use the library computers only with adult supervision and only for specific assignments.

Maybe it is time to buy another computer for my classroom, a new iMac, with a flat screen. I have been told many times that grants are available from the Santa Clara School Foundation. They meet monthly. Maybe it would be wise to write a grant proposal for a computer that would handle current Word software.

It is difficult to keep up with technology's demands. We have a great deal of technology for my students already (6 iMacs, 1 HP tower, the macMin, an iPod, and the MacBook Pro which I use for everything I need to do) yet every year we need more. It is an interesting pressure. In a big way I enjoy the technology.