Article #7

Summary:

Forest Lake Elementary School is a prime example of integrating technology in schools. Each child is constantly participating in activities using technology. The technology serves the purpose of meeting the students needs. The students are independent in their work, but the teachers assign and facilitate the activities. Instead of the teachers spending time grading paper after paper, they spend time evaluating computer generated grades. The teachers have more time to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the children because technology does the mundane work for them. Teachers can plan ways for the students to use technology based on their interest and their needs. Forest Lake Elementary School is truly defining what it means to integrate technology.


Reflection:

I really enjoyed reading this article. It addressed several stakeholders when using technology. The school persevered to train all of their teachers on all of the technology in the classroom and how to use it to its full potential. The article also addressed how they got started using all of the technology in the classrooms. I think it would be an interesting way to teach. I have a few questions about how general instruction is taken place. Does the teacher ever teach full lessons? Does she meet with the students individually to hear them read or watch them do their math? I think using technology to practice and hone skills is very beneficial, but technology should not take the place of the teacher. Teachers still need to actually listen to their students read and not just trust whatever the computer generates. Students need interaction with each other and the teacher. Technology can serve a very important role in the classroom, but teachers should be careful to not let that role replace their role.