The new vs. the old

Chapter two touched home with me for several reasons. I never thought about how there is a constructivist way to use technology instead of an objectivist approach. You would think after four years as an undergrad and over a year of grad school at UAB that this would have occurred to me. Computer programs that are test preparatory were the most commonly mentioned in chapter two. This would not necessarily relate kindergarten, however it made me think about the interaction my children have with the computer. My children often use the computer for typing their writing in a word document, emailing their parents, listening to stories online(Bookflix & Starfall), playing math games, and playing Kid Pix. I try and limit starfall.com because it contains a lot of decodable text. I personally think the online stories are more meaningful! I guess from a philosophical view point, starfall would probably be a more objectivist approach to technology. I like Microsoft Word and Kid Pix, because kindergartners are able to type and then personalize and extend their writing with clip art and background options. The math games I have on my computer are new, therefore I am not as familiar with them. So far, I have noticed it is very interactive-as the child must move manipulatives with the mouse to place them where they belong. This program also allows free exploration, which is always a plus for any introduction to a math lesson. Overall, this chapter was interesting. It was also helpful to review some of the educational philosophers main points.

the blog

I have to say, I have been quite overwhelmed lately with the blog. I think I am overlooking the simplicity of it and making it harder than it really is. It all begins when I go to find my blog. I forget the url. Once I find or remember the url, I forget my password to customize my blog. For some reason, I keep forgetting that the user name to log in is my email. Well guess what? I have two email addresses. Luckily I did decide to use the same password for everything this time. However, it makes me wonder why UAB gets to decide how strong our password is. The reason I say this is because my universal password was not good enough for them. Oh well! After logging in several times and posting on a few friends' blogs, I am feeling better. Practice does make perfect, or better anyway. Oh, and I am looking forward to learning how to send notices to friends via email about blog updates. I was excited to receive notices about how to visit with other people from our class. I think this is helping us become better acquainted with blogging as well as with each other. I have to say, I am curious as to how I would have my kindergarten class independently blog. I think I 'll end on that thought. Bye for now!

Hope's first snow!

And she loved it!

Hope getting ready to go in the snow!

the beginning of our blog

We learned how to create our blog in class today. I am excited about being able to communicate with other teachers from our class. I am looking forward to learning about different technology opportunities available to me as a kindergarten teacher.