Sunday, September 21, 2008
Misha
Last week I went to a middle school to observe for one of my activities and it was a real eye-opening experience for me. I feel like a digital immigrant after sitting in on two separate math classes. I had no idea how technology had progressed in the classroom. I knew chalkboards weren't the thing anymore. I thought that marker boards were "in." I had no idea about the smart board. It is such an amazing thing it just boggles my mind. Both classes I observed used the smart board for their lessons. In one of classes, each student had access to a laptop for a quiz. I certainly can see the benefits of technology, especially in this technological world. I was wondering what some of you thought as teachers in the classroom. Are there any downfalls? For instance, in one of classes it took 10-15 minutes to get everyone loaded on to the right page to begin their quiz. 10-15 minutes that could have been used for something more productive. I was just curious what people thought of technology in the classroom.
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5 comments:
Oh, one other thing I noticed about the school I observed at was how students have changed, even since I was in school. I remember having to sit quietly, raise my hand, sit correctly in my chair, not talk-out, etc. In the classrooms where I observed, things seemed a lot more laid back. Things weren't as rigid and seemed louder.
Misha
Comment from Jessica -
I think that Technology is a wonderful thing in the classroom but there is a learning curve, especially for the seasoned teachers that have developed lessons and have materials based on Overheads and make photocopies of their photocopies rather than keeping an electronic copy. They have tried and true supplimentary material and to transfer over the information of develop new material takes time, something that is in short supply with all the other requirements. I, Myself, like having electronic copies of everything because it eases the possibilty of using technology by shortening a step. It is also easier to give students makeup work and materials. I know that the smart boat can do many things and at my school we recieved several more last year and when we arrived for this school year many teachers had them mounted in their rooms. I have tried to use many of the functions on the fly and I often end up fighting the board. Maybe it is just smarter than me!!! The writing on the board is a neat function but it is not easy to do as I often double hit the screen or something and then it deletes the material or brings up a menu. I need to spend more time messing with the possibilities after school but it is hard to find the time and often lessons are made from home. When you bring them in they don't always work as well on the screen. Part of this is calibration with the carts that the projectors are on being bumped a lot by students but in the classes where it is mounted to the ceiling - it is often off. Like I said, it just takes time to adjust to all the possiblities. I think this is ironic as the programs are made for a fast paced, instant gratification generation.
Heather Day
I often find myself struggling to include ENOUGH technology in my class. I have IN MY ROOM one smartboard, one ELMO, 2 projectors and 3 computers. I use the ELMO everyday because it is an overhead projector, but 8,000 times better! No more transparencies. As far as the smartboard, I feel like I'm not using it enough. I want to use it more, but I am struggling to come up with smartboard activities. Oftne, I find myself using it more as a projector screen than the actual smartboard. But, it's amazing, and the kids just love it! Now, if I could just figure out SCORE! ;-)
It is amazing how things have changed and how quickly you get use to having the technology to use. I taught summer school this past summer and used an Elmo daily as well as the smart board. I am currently in a new location that has not yet received all of out "technology" pieces and I wish I had some of them to use. It is like getting use to having an ice maker and then having it break and going back to using ice trays. It is also amazing how much the kids get out of the hands on visual learning experiences.
Diana Thorpe
Adrienne M.
I just observed yeserday and was amazed, as well. My children attend school in Stafford, and they have Active Boards (?) which are similar to the smartboard but not as interactive. I was really impressed with how easily the students were able to navigate the smartboard. It made me feel really out of date, despite the fact that I have spent the last three years working and volunteering in schools. Spotsylvania County is doing an excellent job with keeping up with technology. You would be surprised at how some schools, even those in affluent areas, lack the technological edge.
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