At first thought I wondered how could I use any type of mobile technology in a Kindergarten classroom. Then I discovered there is more to it than just the iPod, iPad, and occassional use of these devices on a bus ride to a fieldtrip. Sure these are easy to use and the students are practically independent with these devices, since most parents have one or the other or even a SmartPhone. Then I really started reading...
I discovered these amazing opportunties which I felt would be perfect for the Kindergarten classroom:
1. Google Glass: eClassroom News, in its online article titled "4 emerging technologies with educational potential" (October 17, 2013) suggested Google Glass, an augmented reality application which enables students to experience interactive elements in a normal scene, would entice students to engage more during presentations and lessons by overlaying scenes or interactive maps. My initial thought with this technology would be to use it during our "virtual" fieldtrip to see the nation's symbols. We use the maps frequently, but how amazing it would be to see the flags actually waving at the Washington Monument or snow falling at Mount Rushmore. It would give the students the feeling of actually being at the stops on our trip rather than having to completely rely on imagination.
2. iPad4Schools: According to iPad4Schools, "54% of those whose age ranges from 5 to 8 are familiar with using mobile devices."(ipad4schools.org) Why would an educator not use this technology, if it is available, in a class where over half of the students are familiar with the device? The answer lies in the training and use of applications for the device. iPad4Schools is an informative site which delivers answers and training, along with sage advice on applications best suited for particular grades.
3. Mathforum.org/mathtools/: This site is perfect for students (games and activities by grade) and teachers. It is designed to offer practical suggestions, forums, and opportunities for teachers to share and discuss various uses of technology in the classroom.
While the above tools, sites, and applications of technology are wonderful and will be interesting and challenging to incoporate into the classroom, the biggest challenge is answering the question, "where do we go from here?" The article "Personalized learning a key them from 2013 ISTE conference" (eClassroomNews.com, July 2013) brings up several great thoughts. In order for the above opportunities to actually occur in the classroom, there needs to be a vision shared by all involved and not just the IT department or the teacher. Sharing is the key to making the vision happen. The more teachers are encouraged and enabled to collaborate concerning technology and its use in the classroom, the more empowered teachers will become. The biggest frustration amongst teachers in the district is the disparity between schools. This is more common in large districts and it really separates the "have" schools from the "havenot" schools. There needs to be more equality across districts when it comes to technology and how it is implemented and used in the classrooms.
I have to admit, though, as I read this article there may be many options out there for increasing our use of technology in and out of the classroom, but in the end it is really just one more thing to do - for the teacher, the parents, and the students. Reading over the summaries of Edmentum, PBS Learning Media, programs through McGraw-Hill Education and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and the others my eyes started to glaze over. I was not really impressed by any of them. I felt like they might have good qualities: differentiated instruction, challenging options as a student increases in skill, etc., but they all just sounded like textbooks or worksheets gone digital. That is until I read about Skyward! A program to motivate behavior - positive behavior. Now I'm interested! Being in a school which just implemented Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS), I'm intrigued by the opportunity to take the reward system digital. I could see this also helping to increase the parent involvement aspect of rewards. This seems like technology that is both practical and positive.
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