Interview a Learner

April 9, 2010 jannam16

I was able to set up a little email interview with Lisa Parisi, who is a fifth grade teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years. Here is the link to her blog if you would like to check it out…

http://lisaslingo.blogspot.com/

How do you use technology in your classroom, and do you find it useful?
I use technology as a tool for success.  The students use various tools to demonstrate their knowledge (blogs, podcasts, videos, animoto, voicethread, etc.).  They also use technology to assist with learning (demo videos, online dictionaries, voice recognition software, etc.).  In addition, I use technology to help me manage the classroom (online rubrics, spreadsheets for grading, etc.)

Do you think teachers can be reluctant to use technology in the classroom? If yes, why do you think so?
Many teachers are reluctant.  The two major reasons I see are fear that they will break the computer and a time issue.  They do not see technology as a tool, but rather as an addon.

What types of activities do you use with technology? And do you have any favourite programs or ways of using technology in the classroom?
We use technology for almost everything.  Google docs for collaborative work is probably used the most. My favorite programs are VoiceThread and Class Blogmeister for demonstrations.  I also like Discovery Streaming and BrainPop for videos .  You can look at our website to see what we use.

http://www.herricks.org/webpages/spcollaborative/index.cfm

Do you have any tips for future teachers wanting to use technology in the classroom?
Technology is not an addon.  It is part of what you do every day.  Allow the children to have access to the computers at any time.  They should feel free to get a computer during a lesson when needed.

Thank you very much Lisa! I find your answers very informative and useful, and I hope other’s enjoy your wise words as well.

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