Module 8 - The Future, $10,000!

In the future, I would definitely love to see more money spent on technology, as I am sure everyone would love! If there is so much research supporting how important technology is to our students futures, we need more help to bring it into our schools. This would be by allowing every student to have a laptop or handheld. You can't have any complaints about equity when everyone is on the same playing field. As far as new innovations, I am really interested in seeing the thin, flat OLEDs come to life. That would be so cool for every student to have at their desk. There would be no more need for folders, backpacks, books....everything will be right there, rolled out in front of them!

If I had $10,000 for my school to use on technology...I would first buy one set of wireless laptops. So many students spend more time wandering around the school looking for a computer to type on during writing time, that it would be nice to have some portable computers available too. I would get a Promethean board for every classroom AND pay for the training to use it!!! I might even pay for reps from the company to spend a week or two with our staff in order to get them more comfortable in designing lessons. If I still had more money, I would get class sets of handhelds, at least for grades 3-5. They are so useful, and we only have one class set, so a few more would be nice!!

Module 7 - Assistive Technology & Support Software

Well, in previous Blogs I have mentioned 2 pieces of AT that I use, the AlphaSmart and the software Write OutLoud. I am glad the book talked about Write OutLoud, because it seemed like an interesting program to many of you. I went to a great workshop last year called UDL (Universal Design of Learning) through Oakland Schools, and I thought it was so cool to see so many of the same things I learned mentioned this week. This is where I received Write OutLoud, AlphaSmarts, and more info on Kidspiration. One of the other tools I received was a talking dictionary. There are many kinds, but the link for the one we received is http://www.franklin.com/estore/dictionary/KID-1240/. Spelling is such a sensitive subject these days at the elementary level, and kids are always very embarassed when they are bad spellers. These dictionaries are great because all types of learners can use them. Poor spellers can type in a word and it will give them suggestions of what word they were trying to spell. Great spellers can advance their vocabulary by looking up more challenging words. This is also a great tool for kids to use when they read. I always have kids getting up to use them while they read because they can find definitions. Luckily, the sound can be turned down and they are headphone-friendly :)

I like to use the site www.puzzlemaker.com to create all kinds of puzzles for kids. I use many different math sheet generators to create timed tests I give throughout the year. Some examples are www.aplusmath.com, www.edhelper.com, and http://themathworksheetsite.com/.

Happy 4th of July everyone!!