Technology is a fairly large part of the 3K classroom. I believe that it is important for children to learn to use technology respectfully and purposely from the start. In our classroom we are lucky to have 4 computers, 6 google Chromebooks and a projector. I also allow and encourage students to bring their own devices (please see below)
I believe it is important for parents to understand that what I hope to accomplish out of using technology is more than just using sites like facebook and playing games. We start the year off working on our typing skills. Without those skills, everything else is challenging. We explore everything from story writing sites to fairly advanced photo editing.
I know parents are always concerned about internet safety and this is something that is continually discussed in our classroom. Students are always required to log in when accessing the internet, and the school division can then monitor use. Inappropriate sites are filtered, however, I do teach students that sometimes inappropriate things come up and how we should handle it. The internet is so readily accessible these days that I think we need to teach students how to use it respectfully and how to be a positive contributor to the internet (internet bullying is becoming a huge issue)
If you have ANY questions about technology in our classroom please feel free to send me an email, or stop by for a chat. I want technology to be an everyday way of life in 3K, not just a passing novelty, and parent support is great in this.
Samsung Chromebooks
I encourage you to look into Chromebooks. They retail for around $250 which makes them very competitive. They are great for working on the internet (there is no software installed) and they are fast and light. Ask your child what they think of them! We are learning to work in Office 365, which I am very excited about because it means students can work on documents from anywhere they have internet access.
Ipad's and Ipod's
It seems a lot of the student recieved one of these for Christmas and I have had some parents wondering about their use in the classroom. I have spoken to the students about the rules and expectations, but as I know they often dont relay all of the information, here are some points for you:
* I allow devices in the classroom
* Students are responsible for them and have to understand the risk involved in bringing them to school. They are welcome to store them on my desk during breaks, but it is still their responsibility if they get lost or stolen
*Devices are to be used appropriately. I assume that if they have music on them, that it has been approved by the parents, as I won't be monitoring it. I do allow them to listen to music when they are working.
*Students are only allowed to play games during Red Recess. If they are using the device during our morning routine time, I expect them to be doing something that is educational.
*The students are able to access the wireless internet, although this is turned off during recess.
* I have a zero tolerance policy with all technology. The rules are clear and if you break them, your privledges will be taken away.
If you have any questions about the use of these devices, please feel free to ask here or through email. I want to make parents as comfortable as possible with its use.
I believe it is important for parents to understand that what I hope to accomplish out of using technology is more than just using sites like facebook and playing games. We start the year off working on our typing skills. Without those skills, everything else is challenging. We explore everything from story writing sites to fairly advanced photo editing.
I know parents are always concerned about internet safety and this is something that is continually discussed in our classroom. Students are always required to log in when accessing the internet, and the school division can then monitor use. Inappropriate sites are filtered, however, I do teach students that sometimes inappropriate things come up and how we should handle it. The internet is so readily accessible these days that I think we need to teach students how to use it respectfully and how to be a positive contributor to the internet (internet bullying is becoming a huge issue)
If you have ANY questions about technology in our classroom please feel free to send me an email, or stop by for a chat. I want technology to be an everyday way of life in 3K, not just a passing novelty, and parent support is great in this.
Samsung Chromebooks
I encourage you to look into Chromebooks. They retail for around $250 which makes them very competitive. They are great for working on the internet (there is no software installed) and they are fast and light. Ask your child what they think of them! We are learning to work in Office 365, which I am very excited about because it means students can work on documents from anywhere they have internet access.
Ipad's and Ipod's
It seems a lot of the student recieved one of these for Christmas and I have had some parents wondering about their use in the classroom. I have spoken to the students about the rules and expectations, but as I know they often dont relay all of the information, here are some points for you:
* I allow devices in the classroom
* Students are responsible for them and have to understand the risk involved in bringing them to school. They are welcome to store them on my desk during breaks, but it is still their responsibility if they get lost or stolen
*Devices are to be used appropriately. I assume that if they have music on them, that it has been approved by the parents, as I won't be monitoring it. I do allow them to listen to music when they are working.
*Students are only allowed to play games during Red Recess. If they are using the device during our morning routine time, I expect them to be doing something that is educational.
*The students are able to access the wireless internet, although this is turned off during recess.
* I have a zero tolerance policy with all technology. The rules are clear and if you break them, your privledges will be taken away.
If you have any questions about the use of these devices, please feel free to ask here or through email. I want to make parents as comfortable as possible with its use.