As an elementary school teacher, we have experienced a dramatic shift in our curriculum and the use of technology in our classrooms. Specifically in lower elementary, kindergarten through second grade, our educational program is based on what the district calls "Blended Learning Model". The "Blended Learning Model" was implemented in the 2011-2012 school year with kindergarten classroom across the district. Each year the next grade level is required to implement the model. With this format, teachers are required to teach to small groups of students, no more than 6. While the teacher works with small groups, the rest of the class is completing tasks which include logging into individualized instruction tools via the iPad and MacBook. The purpose of this model is for the teacher to have the ability to differentiate student instruction. So far, the district has shown tremendous growth in test score and dramatic percentile gains when compared to districts across the country.
The district has has to purchase the technology to support the "Blended Learning Model". I am not sure how they plan to keep the technology updated and how it fits into the budget. Also, with these funds going to technology, what will no longer be funded?
Hi Juliana,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of differentiating instruction with the teacher working with a small group while the other students are using IPAD's and MacBooks. I didn't know that students as young as kindergarten age were using IPADs and MacBooks. I guess that makes sense. Students are being exposed to technology very young in their lives. Babies are grabbing their parents iPhones and touching apps. I remember when I was in kindergarten (a looooong time ago). I remember stringing beads together. Now kids are stringing beads and opening apps on touch screens.
I wanted to ask you Julianna. Do you find that most of your kindergartners are already prepared for using technology? Are they touching the IPADs purposefully and are they using terminology like apps, download?
ReplyDeleteIt has changed drastically just in the last few years. Most of them are prepared as far as using the iPad. The MacBooks on the other hand are a little difficult at the beginning because of their fine motor skills still needing to be developed. But by this time of the year, it is amazing what they can do. They do use the terminology (i.e. apps, record, tab,etc.).
ReplyDeleteThat's really awesome Juliana! It's really amazing what youngsters can do when they have the opportunity!
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