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#7- Half-Way Reflection

I think using technology within an Early Elementary Classroom can have so many benefits. I think the iMovie that we created would be a wonderful way to introduce yourself to your students and their parents. Also, if I am lucky enough to work within a school that has easy access to computers and the Internet, i will definitely make use of the different websites and online activities with my students. I feel that the only problem with using technology within the classroom is that it takes time. Creating the iMovie was not too difficult, but it definitely took time and patience. Most teachers that i talk to say that they would use more technology in their classroom if they had the time and energy to implement it. Overall, I feel that the most important lesson I have learned about is the iMovie because I believe that it can be used in so many different ways within the classroom.

# 6-Internet Use in Elementary Classroom

I believe that their are many pros to implementing Internet usage within an Early Elementary Classroom, but I also feel that their are some cons as well. To begin with, some of the benefits are learning activities and enhance multiple intelligences, teaches kids about alternate ways of communication, how to type, and also helps make learning fun and exciting! On the other hand, I believe that some of the benefits relate to topics such as the digital divide, meaning that some children will have much more experience with computers and the Internet because they will be able to use them at home, while other children will have little or no access to computers. Furthermore, another disadvantage is there is usually not enough computers provided in the classroom, so students are not getting the full advantage as it is. Personally, I can't live without my computer and the Internet. The world today revolves around computers and technology and I believe that you can never introduce children to aspects of the world around them at too early of an age. I think using a computer and Internet with young elementary students is wonderful, as long as their is guidance by a parent or guardian to make sure the children are not getting into inappropriate websites.

Blog # 5 What Kindergartners Need to Know

I think that having standards for kindergartners, along with a guide to help the teacher teach what those standards include in important and helpful, but I also feel that in many cases, such restrictive standards take away from the children’s and teachers creativity and interest. I feel that standards cause teachers to concentrate too much on what the state thinks the children need to know, which in the end, may cause the teacher to lose his/her originality in coming up with activities and being able to teach what they think is important as well. I believe that having guidelines in teaching is very important, but I think that the standards that are in place are too restrictive and do not leave enough room individuality within both the students, as well as the teacher.