I really like the idea of using a class website from the first video. I think it's really cool that she collaborated with a teacher in another state to contribute information about the subject matter to the website.
I also really like the second video. I never thought of creating a multi-media book before. I think it's a great idea to incorporate so many skills and core curriculum into one project. I really like that the students are being taught how to use technology at an early age and that they are teaching one another when someone doesn't understand how to draw on the computer.
I like how the second video incorporates so many different kinds of technology. The students learn how to use software, how to use the internet, and not to infringe on copyright rules. I also like that the technology is used to teach a core concept--they aren't simply learning how to use technology for technology's sake, it's to learn about habitats. I also enjoyed that the parents came to watch all of the multimedia presentations that the student groups put together. I think it is important to connect the students' families to what they're learning in school as much as possible.
I would say that the most important thing I learned about using technology with children is that they can do it. I underestimated the children's abilities to operate computers; these videos prove that they can do it. I also learned that technology can be an effective means of teaching other core subject material.
