Classroom Observation & Technology Interview.

My classroom observation was on October 6, 2009. Mr. B. is a fourth grade teacher with ten years experience in the same school. Mr. B. teaches math from 11:30 to 12:30. I obtained permission from the principal to observe Mr. B. teaching math. When I walked into the classroom, the students were prepared for the lesson. Mr. B. introduced me to the students and mentioned to them that I was coming to see how she teaches math. Mr. B. started by introducing the lesson to the students, saying, “Today we are going to learn how to place zeros in a quotient when solving division problems.” The lesson was in chapter 9, lesson 4 in the Houghton Mifflin math textbook. She asked one of the students to read the problem from the textbook. The problem said, “Whale Watch Company buys binoculars for visitors to use on their tours. The binoculars are shipped in boxes of 8. If the tour manager orders 824 binoculars, how many boxes should she receive?”
Divide. 824÷8= ----- or use the long division method and show your work.
Mr. B. started with this demonstration:
Step 1. Decide where to place the first digit. 8÷ 8 using long division method =1
Step 2. Bring down the tens.
Divide the tens. 2÷8, since 2< 8, you cannot divide the tens. Write a zero in the tens place.
Step 3. Bring down the ones. Divide the ones. 24÷8 using a long division method, the answer is 3.
Step 4. Mr. B divided the class into six groups of three in each group. She asked three groups to work on division problems, one group to work on multiplication of 2-digit numbers by one digit numbers, and the fifth group was working on how to subtract and bring the numbers down. The last group was assigned to go to the board and perform the operation using the step-by-step instruction she just taught. Two students were able to compute the problem, but not the third student in the third group. Mr. B. went over the problem with the third students and asked the rest of the students to go to the computer and log onto www. Study Island.com and solve two problems on the computer. Students took turns; my observation ended. I like Mr. B.’s teaching because she ended the lesson with asking questions to students and asking them to go to the board and perform guided practice. Mr. B. also did differentiated instruction after her demonstration of division; lastly, she integrated technology into his lesson.








An Interview of a Representative of the Department of Technology at Kilpatrick
Elementary School.

The purpose of this assignment was to interview a representative of the department of technology in my school, to learn more about the best practices for integrating technology into the curriculum. I was lucky to set up an appointment and spoke to Ms. Kay, who is a thirteen-year veteran technology teacher in my school. Ms. Kay took some time to answers most of my questions about integration of technology into curriculum.

Q. (1). How long have you worked in the department of technology?

Ans. I have been in the department for thirteen years; I started in the county as a classroom teacher in mathematics. From there, I took some courses and became a technology specialist.

Q. (2). In your opinion and experience, what are the best practices for integrating technology into the curriculum?

Ans. In my opinion, technology is the most outstanding invention in the 21st century, and if we do not train our children to become technological experts by integrating technology into the classroom, they will not be able to survive in this modern world that we live today.

Q. (3). What are some of the technological tools that we can use in the classroom to benefit students?

Ans. It depends upon what type of subject(s) you are teaching. For example, there are several software programs in every subject, but they are expensive. In math, there are several software programs such as: (1) “MathsOwn, this software is designed to build confidence and attitude for students at home and school. (2) Guide to Available Mathematical Software (GAMS). (3) Elementary Math Software for the MAC from the UTK Mathematics Archives. (4) K-12 Math Software for MSDOS from the UTK Mathematics Archives (M. Kay, personal communication, October 8, 2009). In the Commercial Vendors and Publishers areas, there are approximately four software programs that I can remember right now:
1) Key Curriculum Press.
2) Knowledge Adventure Online Store
3) Math Strategies -- Pixel Graphics.
4) Tenth planet.




Individual Programs and Packages areas, there are also four outstanding software programs that are available right now:

1) Fastball Fractions -- France & Associates
2) Rivendell Educational Archives -- Leigh Denault
3) Math Market – Diane Bundy
4) The Math Tutor – D. L. Raun
Beside software programs, there are four other technological items of equipments that teachers must have in order for best practices of integration of technology into curriculum are effective. These are: 1) Underwrite Board, 2) Rolling Cart DVD & DV player projects to the board, 3) Student Response System, and 4) Turning Point (M. Kay, personal communication, October 8, 2009).

Q. (4). How do teachers actually integrate technology into classrooms?

Ans. 1). When teachers are trying to integrate technology into classrooms, they must start with creating a class website. By creating a website, students can visit the site to catch up on missed assignments or to check on the day’s lesson plan. The class website is an excellent place to display exceptional work by students and to make announcements regarding tests and homework assignments.

Ans. 2). Teachers should create online assignments. Have students search for information on a particular subject and prepare a report. Teachers should send students to a Virtual Field Trip or Scavenger Hunt to locate information on whatever subject teachers are teaching.

Ans. 3). Teachers should provide internet sites where students can participate in interactive assignments. They should provide internet tutoring sessions for regular homework and extra credit.

Ans. 4). Students should be required to participate in a discussion forum. They can easily create one of these through groups like yahoo.com via email. This process encourages students to interact with one another.

Ans. 5). Teachers should hold periodic chat sessions, perhaps once or twice throughout the semester. They should require students to participate in an online discussion, which encourages students’ interaction.

Ans 6). Teachers should provide instruction on navigation. No matter how teachers choose to integrate technology into the curriculum, it is of utmost importance to navigate the INTERNET. It should be done in at least two class lessons on how to work online.

That is how far I can help you. Thank you, Ms. Kay. You are welcome.