US Secretary of Ed Question #1: Technology Effectiveness - Classroom 2.02024-03-28T18:37:56Zhttps://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/649749:Topic:23180?feed=yes&xn_auth=noWe had 5 Promeathean Whiteboa…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-11-04:649749:Comment:710432007-11-04T22:07:38.834Zruthokoyehttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/arokoye
We had 5 Promeathean Whiteboards installed in our school for teachers who won a school division grant. Student engagement in those classrooms has increased. There are fewer behavior issues in those classrooms than in others (interesting given that some of those students have classes taught by four different teachers). The students are doing the work at the boards and learning, the teachers are no longer struggling to get content across.<br />
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As a teacher coach, I try to include children as much as…
We had 5 Promeathean Whiteboards installed in our school for teachers who won a school division grant. Student engagement in those classrooms has increased. There are fewer behavior issues in those classrooms than in others (interesting given that some of those students have classes taught by four different teachers). The students are doing the work at the boards and learning, the teachers are no longer struggling to get content across.<br />
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As a teacher coach, I try to include children as much as possible when I model a lesson for teachers. I'll bring in my wireless mouse and keyboard and allow the students to interact with whatever website that I am demonstrating using a simple data projector. Here again, student engagement is increased and behavior issues dissapate.<br />
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Anyone who doesn't see the benefit from use of technology in just behavior and engagement isn't using the technology appropriately. There are other uses too, but I'll leave that to the other folks to explain.<br />
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Ruth The impact on achievement has…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-11-04:649749:Comment:709962007-11-04T21:05:50.521ZKelley Irishhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/kirish43
The impact on achievement has limitless potential. After I create a lesson ,I can post it on my Wiki Page. I usually post some time of Audio or video from YouTube, or Photostory, or even a Powerpoint that goes over some of the basic concepts. In this way I can add a video or slide show to capture students attention. On my Wiki Page I include the assignment, websites where inforamtion can be gathered, upload storyboards, and add the necessary graphic prganizer... all on the site. Students access…
The impact on achievement has limitless potential. After I create a lesson ,I can post it on my Wiki Page. I usually post some time of Audio or video from YouTube, or Photostory, or even a Powerpoint that goes over some of the basic concepts. In this way I can add a video or slide show to capture students attention. On my Wiki Page I include the assignment, websites where inforamtion can be gathered, upload storyboards, and add the necessary graphic prganizer... all on the site. Students access this information with me in class but can also access the same information from their home computers. No more lost assignment-and a great way to keep parents informed as to what we are doing.<br />
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The other aspect that technology has added, is the ability for the students to work collaboratively-not just during classtime but at home as well. Adding a Yak Pack or setting up a virtual classroom allow the students to use on-line resources to work together on group projects. Students are also thrilled when I can post their projects back to the Wiki. Students enjoy picking a fake on-line name (for privacy) and really like seeing their efforts posted. The fact that the work is posted and Mom and Dad and other classmates can see it ,makes them take the editting process.<br />
seriously.<br />
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Assessments can now be broadened. Instead of just looking a quizzes and tests, students can create slide shows, travel logs, use an interactive whiteboard when they present their work, Using google Earth and other CAD tools students can use tools similar to those used in business.<br />
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With the advent of so much open source software districts need money to invest in the hard ware, and teacher training. Maybe if we redirect some of the funds spent on all the state Paper booklet test like MEAP- we could use those dollars for technology where we could test without paper and get immediate feedback. We just have to be willing to make the switch Collaboration has improved th…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-06-14:649749:Comment:272882007-06-14T23:34:18.233ZEd Warkentinhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/senorw
Collaboration has improved the way our school and district functions, through the use of email, wikis, shared maintenance of websites, podcasting, etc.<br />
Multimedia has improved our teaching effectiveness. Creating multimedia projects has brought our school together, and has produced significantly higher student engagement and learning.<br />
Motivation for students and teachers has improved, too.<br />
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There is a long, long way to go, though. Purchasing hardware and software is done, but precious little…
Collaboration has improved the way our school and district functions, through the use of email, wikis, shared maintenance of websites, podcasting, etc.<br />
Multimedia has improved our teaching effectiveness. Creating multimedia projects has brought our school together, and has produced significantly higher student engagement and learning.<br />
Motivation for students and teachers has improved, too.<br />
<br />
There is a long, long way to go, though. Purchasing hardware and software is done, but precious little financial follow-through for training and troubleshooting/tech support. It is impossible to measure t…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-06-13:649749:Comment:269892007-06-13T15:35:34.789ZJanice Friesenhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/jfriesen
It is impossible to measure the effect of technology on the districts that I have worked in recently (Austin Independent School District-most recently). There are so many changes in the way that technology is used for attendance, grades, and other office tasks. The effect is HUGE. It has also improved the communication about the school to the community. Those schools that have effective web pages find them to be really helpful in communicating about what they do. People moving into the…
It is impossible to measure the effect of technology on the districts that I have worked in recently (Austin Independent School District-most recently). There are so many changes in the way that technology is used for attendance, grades, and other office tasks. The effect is HUGE. It has also improved the communication about the school to the community. Those schools that have effective web pages find them to be really helpful in communicating about what they do. People moving into the community with children often look at the web pages to see what the schools in the area are like.<br />
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Technology has allowed the collection and sorting of much more data than ever before. We are just beginning to understand how that can assist us in applying the assessment, attendance, and discipline data to enhance the education of each student.<br />
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In the classroom email has made it much easier for teachers to connect with parents. A parent can write at any time without concern that they will be bothering the teacher. Teachers can respond with a cool head after researching situations when it is best for them. This is so much better than phone calls during lunch or prep time.<br />
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I could go on... In some schools technology has made a huge difference in what happens in the classroom, but in others there is very little change.<br />
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Janice Friesen Technology has made some impr…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-06-05:649749:Comment:250862007-06-05T01:53:00.767ZAudrey Hillhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/audhilly
Technology has made some improvements upon effectiveness in the school in which I teach, but there is a long way to go before it could be said that it is transformative. I can detail what we have and how we use it. Its effectiveness is debatable in some regards. Our primary use of technology includes using eSchools for tracking students and grading. This is more effective for maintaining records and getting information to parents quickly. It removes an extra step in grading and attendance. We…
Technology has made some improvements upon effectiveness in the school in which I teach, but there is a long way to go before it could be said that it is transformative. I can detail what we have and how we use it. Its effectiveness is debatable in some regards. Our primary use of technology includes using eSchools for tracking students and grading. This is more effective for maintaining records and getting information to parents quickly. It removes an extra step in grading and attendance. We use smartboards in most classrooms. This has been effective in my classroom, particularly in whole class instruction that may be applied later individually. We have three full labs and two laptop carts. They are used frequently for writing, revision, project based education, skill drills. There is some individual use of websites for homework and resources, emailing parents and students. Parents definitely have more reliable and immediate access to teachers. There is a push toward data analysis of NCLB materials. This is marginally effective in that it provides an easy assessment when talking to a parent about a child's skill base or why they did or did not get into advanced. There is room for some assessment over time, but since the tests themselves vary in difficulty, it's not that useful. Few teachers have time to disagreggate data and apply specifically related instruction directly to students based on how they perform on specific tests or questions. It's more useful as a general tool and for resource room teachers who deal with students in much smaller numbers. Some teachers make use of graphic software and other software programs for skill development and project based education. I prefer this use myself. I think my students learn more from creating with technology than from imbibing technology.<br />
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I see some significant use of technology, but I feel like we have more infrastructure than we have application. Sort of a "if we build it, they will come." mentality that is only semi successful right now. I think that will change as more and more teachers come to teaching already prepared for using technology and as those who use it successfully share their information with colleagues. Technology has improved stude…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-05-31:649749:Comment:237972007-05-31T21:36:52.579ZTina Bulleighhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/bulleigh
Technology has improved student ownership of their learning. The motivation to go after the "quest" for knowledge is exciting to watch. Students are engaged and the learnig experience of doing a webquest or building an i-movie project makes a great learning impact. Teachers in our district also really worked in a collaborative manner that made the learning experience that more meaningful.
Technology has improved student ownership of their learning. The motivation to go after the "quest" for knowledge is exciting to watch. Students are engaged and the learnig experience of doing a webquest or building an i-movie project makes a great learning impact. Teachers in our district also really worked in a collaborative manner that made the learning experience that more meaningful. I'm an 8th grade science teac…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-05-31:649749:Comment:236272007-05-31T11:42:13.374ZScott Beiterhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/Skleros
I'm an 8th grade science teacher. Concepts such as atoms and forces are hard for middle school students (and many adults!) to grasp. The ability to teach using color/moving images with a projector and then manipulate them with an Interactive White Board has greatly improved understanding. The web and sites such as this have also helped me find great lessons and incorporate them into my classroom. As a new teacher the web has been indispensable in constructing my curriculum to construct student…
I'm an 8th grade science teacher. Concepts such as atoms and forces are hard for middle school students (and many adults!) to grasp. The ability to teach using color/moving images with a projector and then manipulate them with an Interactive White Board has greatly improved understanding. The web and sites such as this have also helped me find great lessons and incorporate them into my classroom. As a new teacher the web has been indispensable in constructing my curriculum to construct student knowledge. Well said Ken!tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-05-30:649749:Comment:235172007-05-30T23:49:31.334ZChristine Southardhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/ChristineSouthard
Well said Ken!
Well said Ken! http://kpruitt.edublogs.org/2…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-05-30:649749:Comment:234412007-05-30T18:59:45.512ZKen Pruitthttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/kpruitt
<a href="http://kpruitt.edublogs.org/2007/05/08/open-blog-insert-footmy-obligation/">http://kpruitt.edublogs.org/2007/05/08/open-blog-insert-footmy-obligation/</a><br />
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I blogged about this earlier so I will just share my post. In it is the email that I sent. Not spectacular, but I felt it was better act than just re-post complaints.<br />
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Thanks for the forum,<br />
Ken
<a href="http://kpruitt.edublogs.org/2007/05/08/open-blog-insert-footmy-obligation/">http://kpruitt.edublogs.org/2007/05/08/open-blog-insert-footmy-obligation/</a><br />
<br />
I blogged about this earlier so I will just share my post. In it is the email that I sent. Not spectacular, but I felt it was better act than just re-post complaints.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the forum,<br />
Ken I ask that responses to this…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-05-30:649749:Comment:234052007-05-30T16:53:53.707ZRoger Palayhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/rpalay
I ask that responses to this question separate teaching with technology, teaching about technology, and the effectiveness of our teaching, especially as measured by the extent of the learning that has taken place. I have taught with technology and it is fun, interesting, new, and at times hip. I have taught about technology and that helps students to use and appreciate technology. But if you ask whether students really learn more (other than learning about technology), learn faster, or if I am…
I ask that responses to this question separate teaching with technology, teaching about technology, and the effectiveness of our teaching, especially as measured by the extent of the learning that has taken place. I have taught with technology and it is fun, interesting, new, and at times hip. I have taught about technology and that helps students to use and appreciate technology. But if you ask whether students really learn more (other than learning about technology), learn faster, or if I am more efficient in my teaching, the answer is a resounding NO. Technology has added to the cost of instruction, not to the quality and not to the efficiency. As a small example, I used to teach Calculus with a piece of chalk and a blackboard. As I moved into various stages of technology, I have taught Calculus with plotters, computer simulations, multi-function calculators, graphing calculators, special math programs on computers, web pages, Javascript in web pages, Java applets, access to the internet, and data projectors. Has the quality of my teaching gone down? No. Have I maintained excitement in my classes throughout? Yes. Have I enjoyed continually learning new technology and implementing its use in my classes? Yes. Are there things that I can do and show and ask of my students now that I could not have done or asked years ago? Certainly. However, I teach the same number of students in the same amount of time and they learn essentially the same basic concepts and skills. I am having fun, I think that they are having fun, and we have spent incredible amounts to provide all of this technology. In short, instructional technology has not improved the effectiveness of my teching. Furthermore, from what I have observed, once one eliminates the "fun" factor and instead concentrates on the real effectiveness question, I have yet to see anyone who can really show that instructional technology has improved effectiveness.