Sharon Jansen

http://sjansen1707.weebly.
EDU-225
July 28, 2015

Blog entry 2: Integrating Instructional Technology

Integrating instructional technology in the classrooms today is crucial so our children can
receive the best education ever with highly qualified teachers. Technology has taken over the

world and is definitely beneficial for our children to learn at a young age so they can have a
better understanding of technology. .In my second grade classroom, I will be using my computer,
smartboard, and tablets to help my students so we can all be connected to technology in some
way throughout our class.
The most important technology in the classroom is a computer which can allow second
graders to learn, explore, and interact with the class as a whole. A great way students can engage
in learning about literary elements is by using the online program Learner.org. I will incorporate
this website into my second grade classroom. These students can use information gained from
the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters,
setting, or plot (Arizona K12 Center). Laptop computers open up a whole new world for our
students.
Tablets are an important technology tool that my students will use. They can work in
groups and learn from each other. I would love to use Clip Art in my classroom as I feel that it
allows the students to be creative while theyre learning... Second graders that let their minds
wander and search for their favorite pictures to upload to a simple assignment seem to really
want to be involved. They can pick out their own educational pictures to use and share them with
the class (BlogSpot, 2013).
Smartboards are beneficial for students to use in the classroom. I love the fact that second
grade students can interact in different areas when they use a smartboard. They are pretty
standard today in classrooms and elementary students seem to love them. Teachers and students
can use these Smartboard games, activities and lessons to learn about math, English and many
other areas in all grades. (iSmartboard.com).

There are pros and cons to everything in life including the use of technology in the
classroom. There are many benefits to allowing students in elementary school such as:
Differentiating Student Instruction, Building Text Expertise, and student Motivation (Pullen,
2012). The Cons are not reading a physical book, no physical movement when a student is
constantly using an electronic device. The students definitely need to be monitored at all times
especially in second grade, which is my passion.
Some classrooms are wired and others are wireless depending on the district and location
you are teaching. For example, a wired classroom in one district may mean that the district
uses laptops but still uses dial up service for internet access. This type of district may be
described as wired but not wireless (eNotes.com). Each district uses its own server so that will
have an impact on whether your class will be wired or wireless. Dial up is often slow so I would
definitely love to be connected to the internet in my second grade class.
Our world has gone into a frenzy when it comes to technology and our children are
becoming smarter because of it. At the click of a button, teachers and students can google
anything they need information on and use it for their assignment. Its hard to believe that twenty
years ago, computers were almost non-existent. Twenty years from now there will be more
technology and different devices that will be able to help our students achieve their goals in life.
Everyday a teacher is using some form of instructional technology in the classroom to help make
a difference in our childrens lives all across the country. I want to have an impact on my
Students lives by teaching them that nothing is impossible and the sky is the limit. With the help
of technology inside the classroom, our students will only become smarter and smarter.

References

Arizona K-12(2012) TIM, Active Adoption

Ayers, S (2012) www.ehow.com, How to Use a Smart Board in the Classroom.
Go sawyer, (February 27, 2013), enotes.com. What is the difference between wired and wireless
classrooms?
Pullen M (2012) www.EdTech.com Pros& Cons: Is Elementary Too Early for 1:1 Technology?

Barley, L. (2010). Technology Integration in the Third Grade Classroom. Journal of Technology
Integration, 8 (9), 67-90.
Causey, B., Gaff, I., & Iceman, M. (2012). The intelligence of students who use technology.
Journal of Technology in Science, 2 (5), 89-101.