Technology Innovations in Elementary Schools

     Technology innovations have been in elementary schools for a long time. As technology progresses, our definition of innovations change. Because of this, what was once new and exciting when we were kids (TV’s, overhead projectors, typing software) is now considered stone-age to our students. Entering the educational field I must be aware of not only current technology, but also where technology is leading instruction.

     Incorporating technology into the classroom will be more beneficial to student’s learning if started with the standards. Teachers must use technology to enhance learning content—not the other way around. Technology is less effective if used just for technology’s sake (Rubenstein, 2010).

     One way innovative technology has changed classroom instruction is by using interactive whiteboards. Interactive whiteboards put the tools in kid’s hands. Teachers can present information and students can collaborate by touching the boards to solve math problems, play games, or write and edit text. Interactive whiteboards also have remote clickers, which allow students to answer questions and provide the teachers with instant assessment (Rubenstein, 2010).

     Innovative technology today is all about communicating and collaborating. Teachers can use class websites, blogs, podcasts, or twitter to communicate with parents and share the learning (Nadine, 2011). Students are also provided with a live audience for their work. When student’s work is available for a wide audience to see they are naturally motivated to produce their very best work. Digital story telling also gives students another creative outlet to express their ideas.

     Having new technology easily accessible for the students to use is critical for technology integration to produce sustainable learning. Innovative classrooms are more commonly having iPads or iTouches integrated into their classrooms. Such technological devices offer countless educational apps, which make learning fun. They also have microphones and students can record themselves reading aloud and reading along with audio books. When students are able to hear their selves read and match it to a proficient modeled reader, they are able to make gains in their reading fluency. The opportunities for iPad and iTouch integration are numerous and guaranteed to increase.

References:

Mitchell, Larry. (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYLirypK_Yo

Wimmer, Nadine. (2011). Education Nation: Technology and Innovation Enhancing Utah Education.   Retrieved from: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=17461339

Rubenstein, Grace. (2010). Edutopia. Technology Integration for Elementary Schools. Retrieved from://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-technology-integration