1. + Teacher Interview By: Ashton Benham

2. + About the Teacher Teacher: Francene Seppey School: Sonshine Day Preschool District: Alachua County **Has taught for 30 years. **Teaches 3 year olds.

3. + Typical Day in the Classroom “ A typical day in my classroom begins around 7:30 when parents drop off their children. I have table toys and certain fine motor actives set up for when they arrive. We have circle time and learn whatever I have planned for that week on my lesson plan. After circle time we have snack and then we go outside. We come back in and have art and open centers. After that we have lunch and nap. When they wakeup, we have another circle time where we learn about the Bible story and we play a learning game. In the afternoon they have snack, go outside, and then come in and play in centers again. It is so important that parents know at this age, playing is how they learn the most, and how they grow.”

4. + Technology in the Classroom “ Because my students are only 3, we don’t really have anything in the classroom that is technology based. At this school they start having computers at four, but my classroom they are still developing fine motor skills, gross moss skills, verbal skills, and cognition. I have worked in other grades and schools that used whiteboards and I love them. The kids at first liked to play with them, but after they got used to them, it became more of a useful tool than anything.”

5. + Positive Experiences Using Technology “ If the teachers have control of their classroom and can get students to use the technology the right way, there is no limit to what a child can learn. Technology is such a useful tool, and I don’t think people realize how much it can help students. With books we have outdated information, and with this changing world, it is impossible to print out a new book every time there is something new to learn. With the internet and technology, all we have to do is update the information, and there you have it. There are so many videos, pictures, and learning games online for students to learn. When a teacher uses technology in a classroom, they can show and teach so much more than is in a book, and for that I love technology.”

6. + Difficulties in Using Technology “ I would say the only concern I really have is children losing verbal and social skills. If they are already on tablets and computers at home, and then they come to school and do the same thing, I’m afraid they will lose the connection they have with communicating to their teachers, parents, and friends.”

7. + Example of a Lesson Plan that Integrates Technology. “ For my age group it is as simple as finding sounds on line, and having them match them to animals or objects like a fire truck. This is great way for them to learn how to listen, because they must stay quiet to hear the sounds.”