Technology in the Real Classroom

Last week I started my first practicum at Foothill Elementary School in the Alpine District in a 3rd grade classroom. It's been a great experience so far and I've been able to observe and learn many things. I've been able to informally survey the room and talk with my mentor teacher about the technology available to her and the students. I was surprised to find out that there does not seem to be much available or very frequent use of technology.
In the classroom there is one computer - it is a teacher computer (a mac) with basic programs: Microsoft Office, Firefox, iPhoto, iMovie, etc. There is internet access (including wireless) in the classroom. They do have a CD player and a computer projector, but not everyone has a projector. My mentor teacher told me that she wrote a grant to be able to get one. Shared between several classes are a TV, a DVD or VCR player, and digital and video cameras. No one has access to anything such as a Smart Board. Oh, and they also have an overhead projector. That seems to be one of the most frequently used, but I suppose maybe it's the easiest accessed.
The school does have 2 computer labs (both macs). One with a specialist that each class goes to each week, and one that can be scheduled by teachers. Some of the programs that are available to the kids there are Kidpix, Mictrosoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. There is also a program for ELL students. They go into the lab each day for 20-30 minutes to work on a tutorial.
For the upper grades there are a few more things available - some microscopes, digital temperature probes, and a "mobile lab" (a laptop cart?).
It was interesting after hearing about so many things that may be available to the students to find out that there seems to be a fairly limited amount. Still enough to do things with and enhance their learning - just not what I was expecting. It's good to see how things really are in at least the school I've been assigned to.

I have completed the Midcourse Evaluation as well as the Informed Consent.