Participation 3

reply to peer post below 

The problem I have decided to focus on looks at the need for a technology course for students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade. Many districts provide their students with some form of technology to use in the classroom throughout the school day. However, educators have a difficult time in the early childhood classroom to focus on using these different technological resources. This is very apparent in my district and within my specific building’s classrooms. The elementary teachers are required to find ways to add technology into their curriculum and lessons. However, our students need someone to take the time to show them how to open their Chromebook and log onto a computer and find the applications that are appropriate. Our districts and the state require elementary teachers to assess their students using these different forms of technology. However, our students are unable to log on and use a Chromebook. Many of them are not able to use the mouse pad or type as they do not have those motor skills developed yet. If we have extracurricular classes that focus on physical education, art and music, why do we not have a trained educator that focuses on appropriate technological tools for young students? Providing our students with an educator who can correctly match the correct forms of technology with the students ability levels would benefit everyone. This course would also benefit the students as they are able to practice some of these more challenging skills like typing or using the mouse pad.

The resources I have available to me to help identify and select this problem was based on what is available within my school district, but also when discussing with educators from surrounding districts, what they are struggling with as well. The lack of available time to teach our students to use these different forms of technology seems to be a common issue between elementary teachers. Many of these districts provide students in the elementary level with some form of technology. They will need to use it to complete programs and testing, however they do not allow the students to receive instruction on how to use these resources and materials. It is left up to the classroom teacher to find time and ways to create a comfortable classroom environment. That includes these pieces, but does not allow time to the students on how to operate them. educators are also finding it frustrating that their evaluations are being based on the students ability to pass assessments that are given using these forms of technology. However, many students are not able to complete the assessments correctly as they are unable to use the technology appropriately