Creating An Effective Learning Environment

Technology plays a large role in my daily lessons. It is important for my students to understand and use a variety of technology tools. For many, if not most of my students, incorporating technology has truly been beneficial to their learning needs. For many of my fourth grade students who are not at grade level, many technology tools have been put into place for additional practice on a skill. There are many lessons that can be created in order to promote ongoing collaboration between the students through the use of technology. In my classroom, we have the use of a SMARTboard as well as have three student computers and one teacher computer. Students are able to access these computers daily. We also make one hour weekly computer lab visits in order for the whole class to work on a project or assignment. Students use technology tools such as pod casts, wiki’s, blogs, voice threads, power points, word documents, and moviemaker during their fourth grade year. Students are also given options in using these technology tools so that it fits their needs and learning styles. It is important for my students to feel comfortable with these tools in order to prepare them for the world of technology in which we live in. . Not only do these technological tools engage the learners, but it meets the needs of each learner as well.

I want to be able to have open communication with my students, their families, and with the faculty. I feel that communication is very important throughout the year and for the development of a child. I am always available to have a discussion during my plan times as well as before and after school. I make sure that my students families have my email address in order to contact me via the computer as well. I have also set up a webpage for my students, their families, colleagues and administration can view classroom procedures, assignments, student work, and other school related information, which they can visit anytime. It is important that I keep my webpage updated so that the information is always new.
It is important for me and my students to keep growing in all areas of the curriculum. Technology plays a large role in that as well. I make sure that I use the technology that I have in my classroom and the technology that is provided for us at school on a daily basis. I work very closely with the technology facilitator in order to keep up with the latest ideas and strategies to use in my classroom. I also work on grants to keep the option open for new technological tools for students.

Technology plays a large role in that as well. I make sure that I use the technology that I have in my classroom and the technology that is provided for us at school on a daily basis. I want to make sure that I can provide my students with the knowledge and tools that they need to become successful life long learners.

Elizabeth Cotton