Is the use of technology making a difference in our students learning?

Technology is a great tool to enhance learning, but could never take the place of good instruction! 

Do students learn from Technology?  I think they develop or improve skills with technology, but the learning takes place before they use the technology.   

When we plan as teachers, often we can use technology to present or enhance the lesson, but we are interactive with the students and the technology.  That interaction is where we check for understanding. 

When allowing students to use iPads or Chromebooks, I often think...what is the goal?  Can all students do this activity?  Can I differentiate it or find a different app if this one will not work for everyone?  Can the student work independently with this app?  What data can I get from students after they use technology? 

Technology is one of the bigger tools in my teacher toolbox!  I just want to make sure my students get excellent first instruction before they go and work on a piece of technology.

Teach me app...students apply knowledge already taught, and keeps track of students progress.

The Changing Classroom!

I am Stacy Altieri, a kindergarten teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. School 9 in the Rochester City School District.  I have been teaching for over 21 years!  I remember when the first smart board was introduced with a large roll in screen and a projector...I couldn't wait to try it out!  Now we have chrome books with touchscreens, ipads, and document cameras that replaced the old overhead projectors.  We use our cell phones to gather information and stay in touch with people all over the world!  My own children have never even used a rotary phone and had to stay within the length restriction of the coiled handset.  I watch movies in 3D at home and even can read my email on the TV screen in my living room!

In today's changing world we have to continue to stay up to date with the technology that is pushing into our classrooms and lives and pushing us as educators!

I hope to learn as much as I can from my peers about what technologies are out there and what will enhance my teaching and my student's learning!

In my spare time I will continue to craft away!  I love crafting and baking!  I spend weekends at craft fairs or baking for special occasions. Hopefully I don't ever find this on Pinterest fails!