Thoughts from Mrs. Turner

I learned so much from Mrs. Turner. she has her master's degree and has been a teacher for about 20 years. I emailed her quite a few questions for her to answer and she gave me some great information. It really impresses me when i get to hear from someone with more experience and more education than me when i am striving to be like them. I am saving her email for when i get my own classroom to remind me of some things I should remember to do. This is most of the email that she sent to me.....
Technology is the best thing that has evolved in teaching in the last 15 years. I can now go to my computer and find the answer to any questions my class might have. In the past, you would have to write down the question, go and find a set of encyclopedias, and take the time to read or skim until you hopefully found the answer. I love technology! When I received my master's degree, I went on a state scholarship program that introduced teachers to computers.
Teachers (including myself) were very hesitinate of using them, since we had no training. I now use technology everyday at home in planning as well as numerous times throughout the day at school. I use it to help me plan, to communicate with other teachers, and share information and well as get information. I use the system wide program STI to document attendance as well as keeping a computerized grade book. This grade book can be viewed by parents in looking up their child's progress at any time. I use it to send out computerized progress reports and other reports.
My children in my classroom use technology everyday. We go to various websites as part of our daily lessons. I have a LCD in my classroom that is used several times during the day. I have not used textbooks in about 6 years. I teach by using technology, literature, and hands on activities. Teaching is so much more interesting now. Students are able to take computerized reading tests on the computer on books they have read on their independent reading level. Students also have use of online line programs at home that are part of our math, reading, and social studies programs. They can get extra help and use on line tools.
The best part of technology to me in education is the wealth of knowledge that is out there on the World Wide Web. I can find out anything I want. I do not have to search through books, I just Google now. I am very lucky to have four computers and a LCD in my classroom. I also have the use of a Smart board. I hope the future will bring more computers and laptops for all children, but I can only wish.
Robin Turner