Traditional and Emerging Technologies in my Classroom

Both traditional and emerging technologies are beneficial to all classrooms. Traditional technologies, even though older than newer ones, can be used to present material. For example, overhead projectors are used to show materials with information on slides that go onto the screen when turned on. VCR's can be used to show different videos...Libraries tend to have a lot of VHS movies still. Desktop computers and laptops (it's hard to believe laptops are part of traditional technologies) allow students to surf the web and research. Emerging technologies make things easier than ever. WiFi allows students to walk around with laptops and that will help allow freedom to the students and it's just easier than having a big desktop computer in the classroom. Blogs like this help students/parents and teachers interact while at home. Posting videos, information, pictures, reminders on here will allow students to review material and see what else I have to say. I have never tried a virtual reality environment in my classroom, but I think it's amazing how students can experience so many different things in 3D, this will really help the hands-on learner.
Teachers need to become familiar with the different technologies before putting them in their classrooms. I have went through every single one of the technologies in my classroom until I've understood how to use each of them clearly. I suggest that teachers ask questions and experience for themselves what they are placing in their classroom for students to access.

 This video is for the questioning parent who doesn't understand the need of technology in the classroom.

My Classroom! (aka Blog #1)

Upon entering my classroom, you will find that it is filled with color and pictures all over the walls. Learning should be an exciting experience for everyone. As a teacher, I am all about teaching my students and having them learn hands-on, asking questions and experimenting for themselves. We do many group projects that involve researching and creative thinking. You will also find that my classroom is very free. Even with order and rules, my class has fun and is free to ask as many questions as they want. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

My teaching philosophy is that I believe that fun can be had even with rules and order. I treat my students with respect, with the same expectation in return.

About me:

Buford, Georgia, United States

Hi there! I am Ms.McCormick as you all know. I've been teaching here at Sawgrass Elementary for 5 years so far and loving it. I graduated from Georgia Tech and got my job right after. I love my job and look forward to it 

everyday. I am married and have 2 beautiful children. Hope to get to know you!

My students bring me such great joy. In a classroom filled with 24 students, it is very rare that any problems occur. We all work together to make learning easy and fun. My students love to work in groups, as well as by themselves.

Class Activities: As a class, we go on field trips about once every 3 months. I'm a hands-on type teacher and like for my students to be able to experience what they're learning.
We also have our own aquarium filled with fish and other small marine life creatures. We learn to take care of it and learn about all the creatures inside.
We do many projects in this class. Most projects are done with partners or in groups.