Technology Integration

I have had two experiences with technology integration that vary to the end of both sides of the spectrum. The first experience (and the most drawn out) was in a Lansing public elementary school. I was in a first grade classroom and this class had virtually no technology in their class. The only things that I saw in the classroom that were used very little was a TV (I have never seen it on) with a VCR, computers that are easily dated about ten years so can support very little, and a CD player that was about 15 years old. Much of the reason was because they had so little financial funds that could buy new technologies. It was a sad situation that I felt would have greatly benefited from having some more advanced technologies and I think that it will hinder the students in later life not to have been almost at all integrated with any technology while in school.

My second experience was very short as it was when I was visiting my internship placement in West Michigan. I walked in and this school evidently had a lot more money then the one located in Lansing. I walked into my 5th grade classroom and immediately saw that this class had a smart board. Although I am not very literate in knowing what it does or how to use it I do know that it is a huge advantage to have it in the classroom. Secondly, I saw that the teacher has a computer, there was another one (that will be available for me to use next year), there are 3-4 almost new computers as well as they have two computer labs with almost brand new computers in the school. They also have an ELMO in the class, a overhead, a flat screen TV with VCR and DVD player. And lastly the teacher had a small microphone/recorder around her neck that projected the sound out of speakers that were located over every set of desks (there were about 6-8 speakers in the room). I could not believe the vast different between these two schools. Although I didn't get to see the kids in action using any of the technology but I assume that their experience with technology is going to be better and more advanced then the Lansing kids probably ever will be. oose to write on another experience.