Going Forward From Here
Over the five days of this in-service we have looked at several software programs and many websites. They have all been connected in some way to the use of technology as a tool to develop reading. Each in some way has focused on at least one of the following areas of reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics Instruction, Fluency Instruction, Vocabulary Instruction and Comprehension Instruction.
Considering that technology is a tool, a question we might ask is "Are any of these tools we have reviewed useful in my instructional setting?" A specific technology tool will not be the answer in all situations. But like other aspects of life, we attempt to pick the appropriate tool for the specific task at hand.
Thinking back over the material we have covered, discuss "tools" you believe you will be able to implement during the upcoming year. How do you see yourself using them in an instructional setting? What problems might you have to deal with in using them effectively? What else do you think would be helpful in helping you be successful in making this work?
Considering that technology is a tool, a question we might ask is "Are any of these tools we have reviewed useful in my instructional setting?" A specific technology tool will not be the answer in all situations. But like other aspects of life, we attempt to pick the appropriate tool for the specific task at hand.
Thinking back over the material we have covered, discuss "tools" you believe you will be able to implement during the upcoming year. How do you see yourself using them in an instructional setting? What problems might you have to deal with in using them effectively? What else do you think would be helpful in helping you be successful in making this work?
posted by Jim at
8:19 AM
10 Comments:
These tools can certainly being used in my classroom. One of the programs I really liked was the program that records whatever is spoken, and can then be played back. This could be invaluable in the classroom. As a reading teacher, I could have my student record themselves reading a passage. Then after practice, they could re-read the passage. Hearing the improvements in their own reading is so affirming! The primary issue I could foresee with this program is the fact that I only have one computer in my classroom. This process of recording and listening could be a bit time-consuming. However, I think it is valuable enough to make it work. I would probably set this up as a center and have students do this activity as part of differentiated instruction.
T. Brown,
Ben Sheppard Elementary
I can see using many of the "tools" we learned in this training. One that comes to mind will be easy to implement in an instructional setting; the dictionary web site. This will be great for creating and building word walls. I believe this will be successful because it does not cost the school any money. No software or hardware is necessary; just use of the internet.
Jim, thanks for a wonderful learning experience. SS
I still can't access the speech plug-in on my computer. Although our tech guy has come to install the speech plug-in, I still can't access it. Only an administrator can have access to speech on my classroom computer. (Our tech guy loves Macs and curses Dells.I have a Dell.)Frustration is forcing me to give up, at least for the time being. Maybe an additional tech guy/gall that is well-trained and available would help solve this problem. In addition, I would like to be able to install some appropriate software without administrative blocks. Possibly, with software approval, adminstrators could share a "low security level" password to teachers.
GS
The tools obtained can definitely be used in my classroom. Simon Sounds it Out and the one that speaks will help with differentiated instruction. The children will be able to listen to themselves read after recording and will be able to hear their mistakes and correct them. This could be accomplished in a small group setting. The major problem encountered in the classroom is the unavailability of computers.
I love the idea of students being able to write books online. This is something that would benefit students of all ages. Again, as others have stated, lack of proper tech support and computers hinders our students' learning. It is a shame that so much is available, even at no cost, however we cannot make it available to our students.
I can definitely use the tools learned in this workshop. I liked the program where you talk and then it is recorded. The little ones love to hear themselves speak and it would be beneficial for them to hear themselves read a story. They can see improvement being made in their fluency and sounding out words,
I will be receiving more computers in my clasroom next year and I look forward to using this program.
This workshop has offered a great deal of technology tools to use in the class and help students with the reading process. I have defenitely learned important information that will make teaching reading more exciting since using the different programs and the Internet is more appealing to children.
I thank you Jim for all of your help!
Have a great summer everyone!!
The tools used will up improve student learning at the school site.
Excellent workshop... keep up the good work.
I think that these workshops are very beneficial to the education of our young children. We get the chance to view, learn and interact with these programs before we use them with our students. We know that we need to employ varying modalities in order to reach all of our students, and using technology definitely makes this available.
All of the tools that we have reviewed in this workshop are definately useful in my classroom. I wish I could have all or at least most of these tools that were presented to us. One program that I personally enjoyed was Kurzweil this program covers the five components of reading. Excellent workshop!!
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