Reflection of current activities!

      Before I had started this class I used to think about being an elementary school teacher and what I would have to do. Yes, I thought about technology, but I never actually realized how much technology has integrated itself into schools, even in elementary schools. I learned what padlet is and I love the idea of the creativity in it and allowing the children the free rein but also being supervised. Blogs can also be used as a good idea to get all the classmate’s ideas together. I never would have even thought about that. If I had to pick my greatest challenge in integrating technology into the classroom, I think it would have to be getting the kids in elementary to pay attention. Kids that age tend to get excited especially when it comes to technology. Some parents may not let them use technology that much or when they get to do something different then their normal routine they tend to get excited because its different and that is something they enjoy. So, getting everyone to calm down and listen to instructions and keep them focused throughout the assignment, I think that will be the most challenging part of adding technology to the classroom. I think that if you keep a firm tone and your kids respect you, then it might be okay. You just need to make sure that they know you won’t back down and I think it may be best to go over the rules one more time before you do. Explain to them that if they listen to the explanations and understand the assignment then they can get to their work and use their technology. Kids seem to enjoy that more if they know they have their reward coming up. As long as you work with the children and they respect you and the way you teach and you teach them in a way they all understand, I think that you can get very far in the minds of the children.