Technology In The Classroom

•What would it mean for your students if you were able to integrate more technology? 
I consider myself very fortunate that I have the technology that I do have.  Each classroom in my school has a SMART Board, document camera and at least 1 iPad.  Our school is working toward getting a small-group set (4-6) of iPads for each classroom. We also have access to check out an iPad cart, which will accommodate all 20 students in my room.   I am also very fortunate that my students have "technology" time as a specialist class every Friday.  The idea is that students get trained on technology language and terminology as this will help them in the future for computerized testing.
I think that integrating technology into my classroom has changed my teaching drastically  My lessons have become more interactive and student centered.  I also think that by having a SMART Board, my students pay more attention as it touches yet another modality of learning and helps those who learn visually as well as tactile.  At first it was difficult to get used to using and it was a "trial and error" as I had never been formally trained.  The one downfall is that if something goes wrong (electronically/computer), I seem to rely on it too much because it is so interactive.  

•What have you observed about children when it comes to engaging with technology as a learning tool? 
I have learned that having access to technology is very engaging for children.  They all want to participate, especially when we use the iPads.  Since there is such variety with apps, I think that students don't get "bored" as easily.  I have noticed that there are virtually no behavior problems when we are using technology while learning.

•What philosophical or practical ideas do you have about integrating technology in a way that gets students to the Modification and Redefinition levels of the SAMR Model?
My motto in Kindergarten is "baby steps". About 1/2 of the children in my class have access to some form of technology, some more than others, so starting slow is important.  I think to get my kindergartners to the modification and redefinition levels of the SAMR model would be possible, but would be difficult and not necessarily on my priority list.  I do think that my students would be capable of creating their own blogs to share with their families their learning experiences.  However, at the same time I think that it would be a lot of time on my end... time that could possibly be used more wisely.