Lincoln Elementary Visit

from: http://internet.phillipmartin.info/index.htm

1. What was your overall impression of the learning environment at Lincoln Elementary School?
My overall impression of the learning environment at Lincoln Elementary School was very positive, open, and encouraging. The teachers and students that I saw while at Lincoln were all very open and friendly; they are always willing to help others around them. I could tell that the learning environment established at Lincoln by the teachers, students, and other staff members is really great; everyone seems to get along and help others by encouraging and not degrading.

2. Name, describe and reflect on some of the technologies you experienced today. They don't need to be technologies that are new to you.
The main technology I experienced at Lincoln was the Mimio. The librarian and technology "go-to gal" used the Mimio to introduce us to Lincoln Elementary and what is being done there. She explained the nuts and bolts of using the Mimio in general, and in the classroom. Also, I got to see the Mimio in action by 1st graders in a classroom. The 1st graders showed my classmates and me how they use the Mimio everyday in various subjects and in various contexts as well.
I had heard of and attempted to use the Mimio before during my level II field experience at UNI in the Price Lab School during my three math lessons with 1st graders. I ended up not being able to use it because I didn't have the technology downloaded on my computer, and the teacher who did have the technology downloaded, didn't have Kidspiration (which is what my lessons were on) on her computer. So even though I didn't actually get to use the technology, I saw the students use it before during regular class time. I would really like to have a Mimio in my future classroom because of all it's various features.



I also got introduced to Google Sketch Up. The software program allows anyone to design 3-D images, structures, buildings, etc. I witnessed a 6th grade class use this program to build and design their own buildings for an assignment. It was really cool to watch the students because if someone had a question, another student would just go over and show or explain the answer/solution to the question.



 
3. How did your experience today affect your vision of what you will do in your future classroom?

from: http://internet.phillipmartin.info/index.htm

My experience at Lincoln Elementary will affect the way I teach in my future classroom by the way/method that I incorporate technology. I was really impressed with the Mimio technology, and really want to have that in my classroom for me future students to use as a tool to enhance their learning experience in my classroom. My vision for my future classroom has somewhat changed after visiting Lincoln. I already knew I wanted to incorporate technology into my classroom; every subject can benefit from the use of using technology to enhance student learning. There are many internet applications/games online for various subjects, and using an interactive whiteboard to allow students to participate in those games could really do amazing things for their understanding of a certain subject or topic within a subject.