Chapter 6 response:
I would definitely prefer to teach in a classroom that had more digital technologies. I would prefer this because with the use of computers, lessons can be expanded greatly in the classroom. There are countless activities that you can do with your students that involve using a computer, for example, you can scan pictures from a class field trip and have students blog about what they learned on the field trip/what they liked about the trip. Also, teaching in a classroom that has more technologies is a great way to get students involved in classroom activities. Using a SmartBoard to teach students allows them to participate by using the SmartBoard as well, and most students enjoy doing so. A final reason that I would prefer to teach in a classroom that had a plethora of technology is because I believe that it will make everything in my future classroom much easier. Planning lessons will be easier, as well as teaching students. Overall, using a classroom with technology is ideal for most future teachers in todays society.
Chapter 11 response:
Audio and visual technologies are growing greatly in todays society. Although digital audio and visual technologies are becoming more and more popular, traditional versions of these are still used throughout classrooms nationwide. More traditionally, audiocassettes are still used throughout schools today. These can be used to have children listen, and follow along in a book that accompanies the cassette. More recently, Internet audio has become a huge part of our society. Using Internet audio in the classroom can be used for the same purposes as an audiocassette (listening to words as a child reads the book that goes with the audio). Although, using this method is faster, and there is more of an option for children to choose. Children can also create their own Internet audio, by recording themselves using a microphone, and having their peers listen to them read a story as they follow along. Visuals are also commonly used in the classroom. More traditionally, visual supports are used very frequently still today. Some teachers prefer using visual supports over high-tech projection visuals. Visual supports are simply real objects, models, exhibits, printed materials, graphics, and photographs. Using these materials in the classroom can be for a number of lessons. For instance, teachers can use these materials to follow a lesson involving the World Trade Center, as he/she shows the students a picture of the World Trade Center during the lesson. Overhead projectors are an emerging visual technology in todays society, that is very commonly used. A overhead projector can be used to display a simple transparency of a worksheet to the entire class, and can be used to do in class activities that gets all students involved. All of these traditional and emerging audio and visual techniques are important in a classroom, and allow students to have a successful learning experience.
