Ch. 6 & 11 Reading Responses

Chapter 6: Digital Technologies in the Classroom


Based on the information in Chapter 6, I would prefer teaching in a classroom that had more digital technologies. Having more digital technologies would definitely be an advantage not only to myself but to the students as well. None of the students would be forced to have to share these electronics and miss out on the learning experiences. Using the SmartBoard would be a great way to get the students involved in activities. The first time I used the SmartBoard was in high school and I thought it was the coolest thing ever! With all of our technologies changing everyday I think it would be a great way to get the children involved and teach them while they are young. So when they grow up they still know how to use everything. Learning as a whole would be so much more fun for the students if they get to interact with all  of these electronics. So I would love to teach in a classroom with more digital technologies. 


Chapter 11: Audiovisual Technologies


An example of two traditional technologies are a talking book on an audiotape, and a broadcast video. Students can use both of these in the classroom. The talking book on an audiotape can be very useful for students with ADD or a short attention span that can't concentrate. Having the talking book on an audiotape, it reads the story for them and all they have to do is follow along with it. A broadcast video can be used in the teachers lesson plan, if the teacher is teaching the students about hurricanes, you can show the students a video from Hurricane Katrina. An example of two emerging technologies are DVD's, and a digital video camera. DVD's are easy to store with being so small, they are easy to work, you don't have to rewind them when you are finished watching them like you have to VHS's. DVD's can be used in the classroom for just about anything. If you want to show a movie to the class, not only for teaching purposes but just for fun you have the DVD. A digital video camera can be very useful in many ways. If you are doing a group project or a science project and you need to tape yourself doing the experiment or whatever it is your doing. You can pull that up on the computer or even pull it up on the television to show the classroom. If the students are giving a speech and they get nervous talking in front of the class, they can video tape themselves giving the speech at home and then bring it up on the television. The digital video camera is not only useful for students, but for the teacher also. If you are making a video of your class, this is an easy way to do this. 

Theoretical Foundations

The grade I would like to teach is kindergarten, so my blog is going to be about my kindergarten teacher. I believe my teacher was a behaviorism teacher. She would always encourage the class and tell us to never give up and to always be positive no matter what the situation was. She would also always make sure she was setting a good behavior example to all the children. The classroom she taught in was very colorful and had signs that had behavior expectations on them. Since we were new to school it was often very stressful, with leaving your parents for the first time and all of the new children being with you everyday. I think I would use this theory in my classroom because it is always reminding the children to stay positive and never give up. Telling that to kindergarten children encourages them to do their best work. My classroom would have color in it and I would demonstrate good behavior through all the students.

Alexandra Felkonis

All About Me

Major: Early Childhood Education

1. I want my friends to describe me as: A fun person to be around. Someone they can come to to talk about anything!                                 
2. Memorable learning experience: All the activities my teachers would do with the class!
3. My favorite subject at school and why: Math because I was always the best in my class!
4. Accomplishment I most cherish: Winning a platinum at my dance competition. 
5. My work habits can best be described as: Focused, hard working
6. Three words that describe me best: Friendly, Shy, and Nice
7. People may be surprised to know: I am a licensed Cosmetologist!
8. What I hope to be doing in ten years: A Kindergarten teacher.
9. What I do in my spare time: Watch Gossip Girl or hang out with friends!
10. Things I can do without: TV
11. My all-time favorite movie: Fever Pitch
12. BG’s best kept secret: Ladies of 2nd floor Conklin, Conklin North
13. Three things always found in my refrigerator: Water, apple sauce, and gatorade
14. Person I would like to meet: Kate Hudson

15. What are your general expectations about this class? To learn how to utilize technology more in the classroom.
16. How comfortable are you using Windows? How comfortable are you using Macs? Very comfortable using Windows. I am okay at using Macs but could use some more tips and advice.
17. Which application(s) do you use the most? Internet and Microsoft Word
18. Which application(s) do you want to learn how to use? Any that I am unfamiliar with.
19. Is there anything I need to know about you? I love working with little kids!
20. What is your attitude about using technology? I don't mind it because I catch on easily.