At the beginning of my school year, I began teaching elementary technology for the first time without computers! I had a laptop which docked to a big screen television. Within a few weeks, I began using a portable laptop cart. This enabled me to teach about hardware components but manipulation of the equipment was challenging for the K/1st graders, especially the touch pad! Finally the equipment arrived for the lab and immediately after set-up, I knew it was a disaster. I was using four single core processors, each of which had an "extend" card installed so that the signal was split from the parent unit to six other stations. Each one could independently perform work, but all where using the 1 gig of memory from the parent. As soon as the students began to use memory intensive programs like the Internet and power point, the system began to freeze. This was a classic case of planning for something to go wrong! Until this situation is resolved, I use technology to teach the necessary skills they will need to complete future assignments. We have begun inquiry based research with the older grades to supplement current curriculum and project based learning. The students have discovered the many uses of the Internet and developed their own collaborative rules about staying safe. Website bias has been an issue when technology was used during the presidential campaign to research both candidates, and students have looked at situations where technology has changed the way we live in our society.

I use technology to supplement and enhance lessons. Students are able to see and hear examples in their learning. Technology is also used to practice their skills and provide assessment. A few teachers have used the lab and laptop cart for word processing, Internet based learning sites and project research. We also have an attendance and grading program that is technology based and used throughout the school. I would like to see and pilot some of the other technology that is being used in school districts. As a new member of the MI-Champions program, I will be able to learn more about smart boards, student response devices and document cameras. I also would like to know more about using GPS, wiki's, blogs, ipods, web pages, and cell phones in the learning environment. Web 2.0 sites seem like a great place for students to interact with a user, learn and leave comments. They can collaborate better in small or large groups using technology.