Technology Observations

     I have yet to observe some creative and fun ways of using technology in a classroom; whether it be in my own classroom experiences or the classrooms I have observed. Throughout high school the extent of technology use would have mostly been with an overhead projector. There was one computer and T.V. in every classroom but the computer was more for the teacher's use. The T.V. was used for the daily anouncements and any movies we had to watch. It wasn't until my classes at MSU when the teachers used things such as a powerpoint to address the information to the classroom. I did have a class last semester that used an "elmo" to display the books we were discussing on the screen at the front, and I have had teachers use YouTube videos as well.
     I have so far have been placed in two different field placements for observations, but none this current semester. The first placement reminded me of my own personal experience with technology in the classroom with only the use of a TV, overhead projector, and a single computer in the classroom. My second placement did not have a TV in the classroom, but did have an overhead projector and computer. However, about half way through my placement the overhead projector was replaced with an "elmo" and they began to use this in place of it. I found this to be a nice transition since it seemed easier to use. The teacher was able to avoid having transparencies made and didn't have to use big bulky markers while trying to fit it in small spaces. She was also able to use this for her "read aloud" time and had the kids follow along as she read to them, and since it was a chapter book it made it easier for her to point out the specifics she wanted them to pay attention to.