8 Technology in the Classroom

Over Spring Break I did some observation at my old elementary school. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the classrooms were equipped. each classroom had desktop computers, and each teacher had their own laptop. They used their laptop to create lesson plans and do research for class work. One teacher had her computer hooked up to a projection screen and she was able to show her students a Venus Fly Trap, when one of the children asked what it was. The Library had been converted from an index card organization system, to a catalog on the computer. The computer lab was in the process of getting updated machinery, and the students were busy intalling and updating software. The middle school students carried around Thinkpads with them at all times. Thinkpads are compact keybords with a small screen. The students can type on them, and then hook them up to a computer at a later date to upload their work. There are efficient, they don't take up a lot of space and are very useful. I was most surprised when i walked into my kindergarten classroom. When I was in kindergarten we had a loft that had cassette players, now there are 4 desktop computers up there. It was refreshing to see that even if not much has changed as far as the teachers and lessons at St. Peter's, at least they technology is being updated and incorporated into the curriculum.