Technology Observation 1

Observing the students in my classroom

1. What software applications and hardware are students using in the classroom?
   1. In my third grade classroom, my students primarily use two software applications in the classroom, IXL, and Xtra Math. In IXL, students work to develop their skills in both English and Math.
   2. In terms of hardware, the students have access to iPads but they do not have their own iPad, they are shared amongst all students K-4. 
2. Describe what the students are doing with the technology that you identified.
   1. The students use IXL to complete Math and English that are tailored directly to the students map scores. This is great because it promotes individual development, learning, and growth while meeting the needs of each student individually. 
   2. The students use Xtramath to help them become fluent in math facts. Xtramath is an online math fact fluency program that helps students develop quick recall and automaticity of basic math facts.
   3. The students use the hardware, or the iPad when they are available to complete the work on, and to engage with the material on the softwares listed above.  
3. What software applications and hardware are facilitating/impeding the conditions that make student learning possible?
   1. These software applications facilitate student learning because it individualizes the learning experience for each student. As the classroom I am in has a very large range of student ability, making it a great benefit that IXL uses their map scores to determine the content each student is given. This feature maximizes student growth and overall skill development, meeting each student where they are at. 
   2. When they have access to them, the hardware facilitates student learning because it is a differentiated instruction method and offers individualized instruction. 

Observing my cooperating teacher

1. What software applications and hardware is your cooperating teacher(s) using in the classroom? Document both hardware and software.
   1. The main software application that my teacher uses is called Renweb. 
   2. The hardware my teacher uses is an Apple Laptop as that is required by the school. In the classroom she also uses a SMARTBoard and live camera projector. 
2. Describe how your cooperating teacher(s) uses the software applications and hardware.
   1. In the software, Renweb is a private and secure parents’ portal that will allow parents to view academic information specific to their children, while protecting their children’s information from others. You can see your child’s grades, attendance, homework and conduct, as well as other useful school information. Per request of the school, Renweb is very prevalent in the teachers’ daily lives. Everyday, my teacher is supposed to post her daily plan to inform parents on what they are doing, what their homework is and any important upcoming events. Additionally, this is where her gradebook is located and how report cards are released online.
   2. In the hardwares, with a SMARTBoard and live projector, she is able to provide the class with a live step by step of a task that everyone can see which is very beneficial. With her laptop and SMARTBoard, she is also able to have her screen mirrored which enables her to share videos, pictures, and important information from the online web with her students. With videos, the SMARTBoard also comes with its own speakers and sound system, giving all students the opportunity to learn visually and auditorily.  
3. What software applications and hardware are facilitating/impeding the conditions that make teaching possible?
   1. When looking at the software I do not think that it is strictly impeding or facilitating teaching. When discussing it with my teacher, she told me that in her opinion, the software itself is okay. She openly admitted that she does not use it often and as thoroughly as other teachers do as she maybe uses 10% of the features. 
   2. When looking at the hardware, I do think that it greatly facilitates making teaching possible. The students are all able to follow along with what the teacher wants them to. It also enables the students to engage in multisensory learning as they are learning visually and auditorily.