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(2nd Grade)
This was our first opportunity getting to use our computer lab at school. I remember there was a painting extension on Windows and we were given free time to create our own drawings. This continued throughout the year. -
(Third Grade)
Even in later grades this "free time" still occurred, but it was much more focused on making it educational. After we had finished an assignment or even a S.T.A.R. test and there was still time left over, we were allowed to search the web. Of course by this point schools had learned how to block certain websites and searches so we mainly had access to websites like this one. CoolMathGames. It was a great websites that made math fun and interactive. -
(Fourth Grade)
With each grade, the use of technology in the classroom became more and more common. So much to the point that in order to complete some assignments we had to use technology. I remember in this grade we had a project on endangered species and we had to create a brochure on it. Not only did we learn how to add pictures or print, but we learned a lot about creating the correct layout in order to get the final product we desire. I did my project on pink dolphins. :) -
(Fifth Grade)
In this grade I got into the G.A.T.E. program and the school I attended happened to also be a bilingual school. In order to continuously obtain this status the school required us all to learn a second language whether that was English or Spanish. For about an hour a couple times a week, each class would take turns entering the computer lab to learn the language. We used the program Rosetta Stone and we were given a microphone and headphones and progressed at our own pace. -
(High School)
As the years passed, technology became more and more integrated into the classroom. We all knew how to use Word and make a PowerPoint. How to use a flash drive and send emails to our teachers. And even how to find credible research sources. In high school, a new website/app called Edmodo was introduced very similar to Canvas in the sense that we turned in our assignments digitally. Looking back I actually cannot remember the last time I had to print and physically hand in a paper.