Technology at Work

Well, this past Friday I put my new technology to use. I think the kids really enjoyed their new learning "toys." As mentioned before, I was awarded a grant to utilize Nintendo DS handheld gaming systems as well as a Nintendo Wii for whole group purposes. Friday the students were given an orientation to the DS games. They learned the requirements I have set forth in order for them to use them which involve the following:
1) All students must keep a journal of all activities completed with the game CrossworDS. They are to log which crossword they complete, as well the words they encounter. Students also have to notate when a new word they are unfamiliar with is introduced to them from the game.

2) Students were informed of the proper usage and safety protocols set in place to keep our new technology in good shape for a very long time. I was actually surprised to see how many students were not familiar with the DS handheld gaming system at all.

3) Students were then given the opportunity to utilize the Nintendo Wii game "My Word Coach" for the remainder of the class period.

All in all, I believe it is safe to say my students are definitely excited to be using the Nintendo gaming systems as a part of their learning experience.

My plan for implementation is as follows: For the remainder of the school year, my reading classes are going to begin Literature Circles. One day a week, rather than reading or meeting as a group, one literature group will be given the DS's to use instead of reading. They will all be told that poor behavior during their literature circle meetings and reading times will directly affect whether or not they will be allowed to utilize the Nintendo DS on their scheduled day.

Only time will tell...and Spring Break is finally coming (April 10th). We only have three days next week (Thursday is a half day and Friday is no school) so I may not be able to start until after then...we'll see!!!!

-Jack