Back in 2009 I started to shadow an elementary teacher at a
title 1 school and I can recall how outdated and/or lack of technology that
existed within her classroom. I couldn’t believe that these classrooms were
still using those large tube Zenith brand televisions, tube computer monitors,
and bulky Dell computer towers. I remember trying to set up an interactive FCAT
practice activity through the internet and how incredibly slow it was to load due
to the outdated processing system (window xp). The classrooms were in poor technological
condition. The students were still using VHS and cassette players to watch
education shows or to listen along to a reading passage.
Each visit to this school felt like a time machine taking me
back to the early 90s. It was so bad that the classroom only had chalkboards
and a lot of visuals around the classrooms were made from lamented construction
paper that the teachers had created in the beginning of the school year. Being a
part of such an outdated classroom, I began to see how the lack of technology
was taking a toll on students and even the teacher. Both were becoming increasingly
frustrated with how unreliable the computers were, how annoying it was to be covered
and to be inhaling an excessive amount of chalk dust, and how poor of quality the
VHS tapes were.
I bring this up because I have witness how much of a
difference modern technology really changes the dynamic of a classroom.
Apparently over the summer this same school was rewarded a technology grant to
update most of their equipments ranging from their intercom system, computers,
tv, and even the chalkboards becoming interactive “smart” boards.
When I returned to this same classroom in the Fall of 2010
and I was able to witness how vibrant and productive the classroom had become.
Students were finally able to complete their FCAT practice within 10 minute
intervals, the teacher was able to use the smartboard to demonstrate and
interact with the students a lot more. In fact she was rarely ever in front of
the class writing on the board. Due to the smart board she was able to walking
around with a handheld device which allows her to write on the board or being
up the internet or projector. Because of the new technology the teacher was
able to change up her instructional approach. She was now able save time in prepping
or queuing up equipments. She was to manage and discourage bad behavior while
providing more direct positive feedback to her students, due to the fact she
was no long stationed in the front of the classroom or had her back turn to her
students in order to write on the board.
Most importantly I would say that the overall way the students
are now able to receive and do their assignments has truly changed for the
better. The updated technology has given the students a descent amount of
exposure to modern technology. Being that this is a title 1 school, it’s
probably safe to assume that a lot of these kids may not have a home computer and/or
internet service. Having 4 well equipped computers, an interactive smartboard, working
bluray player, etc has allowed the students to become more familiar with technology
and how to incorporate it into their learning. Also the transmitting of knowledge has
changed. No longer are the days that students have to rely on overhead
projectors, blurry VHS footages, sluggish computers, or a teacher stationed in
the front of the class writing on a hard to read chalkboard. The information
has basically uprooted from their traditional format and it now alive and interactive
in the hands of the students.
This blog posting was inspired by http://edudemic.com/2011/04/classroom-technology/
and my experience with seeing how much of a difference modern tech. really has
on a classroom
Rupes,
ReplyDeleteWow! What a post this week! You are truly blessed to have experienced such a transformation...experiencing first hand the dramatic difference technology made in that classroom. Thank you for sharing that. I also taught in a Title I school and I don't feel that we were as outdated as the school you discussed was before the grant. However, I remember one time telling a first grade student to get some more of the papers on top of the VCR. She froze, panicked, and said, "Does ANYONE know what a VCR is!??!" I had to laugh..it was hilarious.
Regarding your frustrations with the FCAT practice on the computers when the computers were so slow...I feel your pain! During our reading block, part of the time was Literacy Centers. I had 7 different centers (stations) where 2-3 kids would work together. This time allowed me to pull 2-4 kids at a time to differentiate instruction. I could read with them or work on skills they needed depending on their level. You would think the computer center would have been the least amount of maintenance for me being that 6 year olds had to work for longer periods on their own. WRONG!! The computers gave me the most trouble! They were so slow at times, the reading games would freeze or just take forever. It was very frustrating. However, on the flip side, I was glad to have 3 student computers. Just wished they would work with less maintenance.
Very cool link you added! Imagine how many lessons on those horn paddles would fit on one iPad! Great post. I'm adding it under the "Worthy Links" on my blog.
~Bren H.
I share many of your technology experiences. As a para-professional in a title one school I am struck by the growing use of technology and the acceptance of the use of technology in areas one might not expect. The students were working on digital stories in one class. In another they were completing standards based practice. One sad thing I observed was a teacher that appeared to use technology as a reward and not a learning tool.
ReplyDeleteTeachers do seem to be able to save time in preparation and instructional time as you mentioned. There seemed to be some resistance to using tech in some classroom, but the majority of teachers have embraced technology as an ally in the learning process.
Thanks for your post.
Scott Foster EME 5050
This is so closely related to my blog post for the week. Technology is such a great tool and can make such a difference in a classroom's dynamics. When we're able to use technology that interests the kids this helps them to be actively engaged and that's all any teacher could truly ever ask for. But as you say, it stinks to have technology that's old, outdated and not up to par. It becomes more of a hindrance than a help. This ties into my question of can we afford to keep up with the ever changing technology in this world. As we know, the "better" schools will continue to keep the lastest, up to date technology while our "lower" and poorer schools are scrambling to keep up the best way that they can. Is this really providing equal opportunity, advantage education for all? I think not.
ReplyDeleteWow I am so glad that the school got out of the time capsule. It is almost like you were in the twilight zone. Your story is a prime example how technology is a must in the classrooms. I have a classmate that is interning at a school that has similar issues. So sad, I am glad that you were able to witness this that way you will for sure have technology in your classroom. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteTonga