Video about Eduaction

Half-way Reflection

Now that I am half-way through this course, I do feel that I have a much better idea of technology uses in early elementary education programs. I think the main thing I have found so far is that technology will be a vital tool I will use during my planning and reflection process. Through out this course I have realize the amazing amounts of reasources that are available for teachers. I can use technology to get ideas for my classroom design, bulliten board ideas, lesson plans and interactive activities. I can also use technology to find the newest advances in education. I think it is amazing how much teachers have available to them at their fingertips and I am excited to take advantage of all those reasources.

Internet Use in Elementary

There are pros and cons for using the Internet in an early elementary classroom. The internet has tons of great resources for children to learn about all sorts of content. However, the Internet also has lots of information that is not accurate, current or appropriate. I feel that it is extremely important for teachers to really monitor what their students find on the Internet. I think early elementary teachers could use the Internet to find appropriate material for their students prior to class and bring it to class to present. As an early elementary educator I would use the Internet to find fun pictures and information about certain topics I was teaching. For example if I was teaching a unit on the ocean I would find great photos and videos of the ocean to add to my lesson. I believe that in early elementary the Internet can be used to enhance a lesson, but not to teach it entirely.
One of my favorite education websites that I have come across so far is abc teach. This website is for early elemenatry and it has everything! It is for students, parents and teachers. It has lesson plans, activities, materials, unit plans, and games.

Standards for Kindergarten

I feel there are negative and positive aspects of having specific standards for the Kindergarten level. I think specific stardards are good, because they help lay out what teachers need to teach, but too many specifics may be too restrictive. I do feel that students at the Kindergarten level are ready for standards based learning. However, there needs to be some type of transitional period. Kindergartner's need to be transitioned from preschool to primary school in order to be successful. The main thing that makes me worry about having to many standards for the Kindergarten level is that teachers will get caught up with them. Kindergarten sets the pace for a student's perspective on academics and I think it is important that teachers make learning fun and exciting.
I do think standards are important and I think it is great that they are research-based and there is a guide book. I think when I am a first year teacher, I will appreciate having specific stadards and quidelines to meet them. I think having specific standards does not mean you can not be a creative teacher. A good teacher should be able to use standards and still implement lots of exciting approaches to the content.