Week One: Classroom Tech

1. Did the physical layout of the classroom differ from traditional models? Did the  physical layout affect how the technology was used by students? What did you observe that supports your view?

• The physical layout of the classroom was somewhat differed from how a normal elementary classroom would be set up that did not utilize technology the same way the teachers in the two videos did. Normally, the classroom would be arranged in small groups with the desks together, or in rows; however, the classroom set-up from the videos consisted mainly of long tables that students would sit around and the teacher or "facilitator" was able to see everyone easily. In some cases the physical layout affected how the technology was used by students, particularly in the case of Larry because there were a limited amount of Ipads and each day some students were required to share. Overall, the layout of the classroom did not have a tremendous affect on the implementation of technology in the class.

2. What was the nature of the teacher/student interaction? Did the technology in  the classroom influence or facilitate the nature of teacher/student interaction? What did you observe that supports your view?

• The teacher/student interaction was completely different from that of a classroom that was not utilizing technology in the same manner. The teacher acted more so as the facilitator, rather than the teacher; they provided assistance when needed, but work was done through programs on the computers, the Internet, or apps. In both videos, the teachers stressed the connivance of using technology in the classroom. Most work was submitted through email, which was graded more quickly and therefore, problems were addressed and fixed at a quicker pace. In Larry's class, where Ipads were used, students had the ability to really understand topics and concepts because they would instantly receive feedback regarding their work, which allowed the teacher to address the problems at that moment. Students were also given the time to "master" concepts.

3. Did you observe examples of differentiation of instruction in these classrooms? How might technology facilitate differentiation? What did you observe that supports your view?

• After viewing both videos, there were examples of differentiated instruction; however, this was different, and in some cases more efficient that a normal classroom. Students in Larry's class who were excelling academically had the ability to work alone with an Ipad, while the students were completing problems in pairs. Technology also played a role in the teacher grading material at a more rapid pace, which allowed students who were struggling to have more time on a topic, and the teacher could really address the problems at hand. This is an advantage to students in a normal classroom, particularly as a future elementary teacher because of their attention span, prior knowledge, and the goal of each unit.

4. Which classroom model resems your concept of how technology would be ideally implemented in your classroom setting? How would your classroom be different?

• Ideally, I think the use of Ipads in a classroom would be wonderful. The range of ability and material that could be taught using an Ipad is currently endless in way because discoveries are constantly being made that can be beneficial to learning. It was neat to observe Larry's interaction with his students because they knew what was expected of them in his class; however, he allowed them to explore the Ipads and they did so educationally by finding new apps that would help to further explain a particular concept being taught. I do however still believe in the concept of what a classroom is today and the ability for books to be read and explored by hand, or activities to be done that allow students to make a further connection to what they are learning. Overall, I think that technology needs to play a more vital role to compete with the activity and life styles children are living outside of the classroom; pencil and paper activities are no longer going to stimulate children because of the technological advances.

5. How did the use of technology differ from your expectations of tech in the classroom and from your actual experiences?

• I was surprised at how much technology was actually implemented in the classroom. From the videos, there was very little instruction or work that was completed in any other way. This is something that is new for me because I was a student that visited the computer center once a week if my teacher had blocked time to do so. I remember a math game that I played on the computer when I was in elementary school that awarded me money if I got an answer right, and the I was apart of a rock band. The more money I won would help to pay for my gigs and transportation, along with instruments. I really enjoyed these videos because I think as a twenty-first century teacher, competing with technology is going to be constant; if the use of technology can improve, learning opportunities could be endless.