Technology Practices at Concordia Elementary

1. Technology Practices at Concordia Elementary Betsy Fuller

2. Practices • The four second grade classes at Concordia elementary utilize the computer lab for one hour once a week as part of their mandatory curriculum. • The classroom teacher serves as the instructor during computer lab sessions. She helps an average of 31 children at a time. • There are 34 computers available to the children in the lab, with one printer. • Second grade students use the computer to support their ongoing math curriculum. The programs used are GG math or ST math. Which can also be accessed on the internet.

3. Equipment • The computer lab is located in a portable building. • There are 34 computers located on individual stations set up around the perimeter of the room • The only equipment in the lab is the computer monitors, towers, the keyboards, the mouse, and the printer. • The software the second graders utilize are starfall, GG math, ST math, and paintbrush • The internet is available, but not accessed at the second grade level.

4. Standards for Technology??? • Currently there are no state standards for technology in the classroom at the second grade level • The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a center committed to training educators in the implementation of technology, and has created clear standards for educators to access and follow. • The following is ISTE’s url http://www.iste.org/welcome.aspx (click on the box for a video with the CEOof ISTE)

5. CUSD Technology Standards • Capistrano Unified School District does have technology standards for the elementary school level. • Please right click and open the hyperlink on the button below to view CUSD standards • CUSD’s standards are in need of an update! (VCR use??!!!) • Standard 1, basic computer concepts, and standard 4, Painting and Drawing, are the only standards that the second graders at Concordia have practiced. • There is minimal teacher training in technology, and very little instructional support other than the software or programs standard directions. • Classroom teachersteach the children how to perform basic functions such as logging on and off of the computer, and accessing programs used. http://tis-capousd-ca.schoolloop.com/file/1235193542272/8916349888493629562.pdf

6. What is needed…. • Concordia needs additional computers in their classrooms. • The school also needs to devote more time on practical computer applications. • Another addition to think about would be a lab assistant on staff. • CUSD needs to update their technology standards, and Concordia needs to strive to meet the standards that the district provides.

7. The ideal technologyClassroom Here are some of the practices and equipment that I would include in my “ideal” classroom. • A minimum of ten computer stations in every classroom , with a well stocked and adequate computer lab. • There should be at least two computer lab technicians on staff to help the children with any questions they might ask. • Children should be provided ample instruction in practical computer applications such as internet searching, web site credibility, and keyboard techniques. • Teachers should allow computer access in the classroom for research and curriculum purposes. • Children should be provided opportunities to explore creative aspects of computer work such as web site design and (safe) social networking.

8. The ideal technology application cont… • Children should enhance the curriculum they learn by software such as starfall, SD math, ect • Children should learn how to create power points, word docs, brochures, and spreadsheets • Children should be provided plenty of time for practice and research to close the “technology gap” that is present between SES levels. • Teachers should have plenty of resources and training opportunities to maintain their knowledge of evolving technology.

9. Thoughts…. After interviewing a second grade teacher at Concordia, I got the impression that the computer lab is looked upon as a fun time by the students, and a stressful time by the teacher who has to rush around and help the students with basic skills or program problems. Upon my observation, many children sat around and did nothing for 5 minutes at a time while waiting for the teachers help. This is a significant amount of time in a one hour a week program. The teacher informed me that she relies heavily on parent volunteers to make lab time effective for her students. The weekly parent volunteer was absent the day I observed. Although the district is being hit by budget cuts, technology integration is an integral part of this generations reality. Sufficient time and resources on technology integration should be provided to the students of America.