Technology

Technology can be a great tool in many ways. My students love to use the computer, work with the Promethean board, use calculators, use activ votes, or share items on the document camera. However, sometimes technology can be more of a problem. The past few weeks we have had some problems with internet speed and things  loading slowly. My students have experienced problems in the computer lab while loading a site, but no better way to teach them about problems in regards to technology without that aspect. A few of my students were impatient but I thought it was a good way to build patience with them. Many times we have limited time and want to make the most out of it. I want to maximize our time in the lab this year and am hoping things will speed up so we can cover and finish the things we set out to do.
There are times when building patience is a good thing, but when we are expecting more than normal delays and wait time, than I perceive it as a negative thing. Lately, I have not been happy with certain aspects of technology. The internet in the lab and my classroom have been slow on various days, in which it caused the page  to not load. This was crucial as students were taking a quiz on the computer and when clicking to the next page, encountered error messages. It was frustrating! Sometimes things do not work as smoothly as they should.
I do rely on my Promethean board for everything I do. Last year the bulb went out, I was without the board for the last  week of school. I felt lost without it. What would I do if it wasn't able to work? Could I do the same things that I do now without it? Now, I am making sure to think about other options in case things are not working the way they should.
With the addition of a classroom workstation, I am hoping to be able to have students on the machine most of the day. I want to make the most of it and find tools, programs, and educational sites that will maximize their learning.  I am finding the computer can be motivating for many students, how can I make the most with it?