Module 8: Activity 7: Tablet devices in the classroom

Tablet devices are wireless, portable personal computer that take their primary input from their touch screens.   From the discussions I observe that the touch screen interface, providing one the ability to view it from any angle, its flexibility,  its ability to connect  virtually anywhere because of the 3G technologies, its portability and light weight, the high resolution that it offers are qualities that distinguish the tablet from other technologies.  When using tablets, teachers should remember that they are not laptops and should therefore play on the tablets’ strength – personalized learning, communicating and collaborating, for capturing/sharing/feedback, for research and for allowing extremely fast access to specific resources.   

Module 8: Activity 6: One-to-one learning with ICT

One-to-One Computing in education refers to a computer (laptop, ipad, tablet) for every student and teacher, with internet access available anytime, anywhere.

Pros

• Each student can receive differentiated instruction, solving math problems, reading e-books at interest and level.

• Students experience real world audiences through blogs, wikis, glogster.  Using one-one technology students use these varied publishing space to upload their writing, videos, presentations, posters.

• Learning is extended beyond the school and into the home.  This is great especially for those students who do not otherwise have intellectual stimulation in the home.

• Technological experts can be built.  As students use these technologies, they learn about them and become comfortable with the technology.

• There is increased student motivation.  Students prefer to work with the one-to-one technology than they are with the traditional classroom.

Cons

• Students don’t want to take a physical book to read and may lose the basic essence of reading from left to right, top to bottom and page to page.

• Because students are glued to the technology, much physical activities are not done and there is an alarming number of obese students; also there is not much physical interaction/communication.

Having clear goals, collaborating to create and set classroom rules, being consistent, adapting teaching materials and practices to make the teaching/learning environment effective and relevant are principles one could implement in one’s own class even though there is no technology.

Module 8 - Activity 5: Interactive whiteboards

We have seen the evolution of technologies, as primitive desktops have spawned generations of laptops or netbooks and blackboards have been supplanted by interactive whiteboards (IWB’s) (Betcher & Lee, 2009). 

An interactive whiteboard is a presentation system that connects a computer to a projector and screen. Through the use of either special pens or even fingertips, presenters can manipulate the images on the screen.  Sarah Burger

 

Interactive Whiteboards Enhance Classroom Instruction and Learning

Classroom applications for using interactive whiteboards include:

• Multimedia lessons and presentations including audio and video
• Collaborative problem solving
• Showcasing student projects and presentations
• Virtual field trips
• Recorded lessons that can be used by substitute teachers
• Documentation of student achievement

There are now many interactive whiteboard companies to choose from, and most feature video, image, and lesson libraries. Here are some of the leading brands:

• SMART introduced the first interactive whiteboard in 1991 and it is the world’s best-selling interactive whiteboard. A leader in introducing touch technology into the classroom, SMART boards allow teachers to access 6,600 learning objects and customizable lesson plans. http://smarttech.com/ 
• Promethean now offers an integrated system that packages the interactive white board, Learner Response System, lesson design and delivery software and online support and professional development. http://www.prometheanworld.com/
• Mimio is a system that creates an interactive whiteboard out of a standard whiteboard. For districts that are trying to manage tight budgets and already own whiteboards, Mimio is a good option. It also includes online training and certification. http://www.mimio.dymo.com
• Numonics features electromagnetic technology and a multimedia pen to utilize a full range of cross-curricular activities and training. Their website, http://www.interactivewhiteboards.com/,  offers the following research statistics:
  • A study by the University of Wisconsin confirmed that using visual aids improved learning up to 200%.
  • Harvard and Columbia Universities found that student retention is improved up to 38%.
  • Wharton School of Business proved that the time to explain complex subjects is reduced by 25% to 40%.
• eInstruction’s newest product offering, Interwrite Workspace, includes more than 4,000 digital, K-20 teaching resources from math to language arts and science. Publisher-independent, Interwrite Workspace includes 50 tools to create, display, organize, record and share teaching materials. http://www.einstruction.com/
• Polyvision’s eno board can be used as a traditional marker board, a magnetic board, or an interactive white board with no plugs or cables. It promises the lowest total cost of ownership for schools and districts looking for the most affordable interactivity. http://www.polyvision.com/

 Betcher and Lee (2009)  EIGHT KEY PRINCIPLES FOR THE EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD

1. Be proficient
2. Be organized
3. Be interactive
4. Be flexible
5. Be constructive
6. Be open-minded
7. Be willing to share
8. Be prepared to plan

Module 8: Activity 4: The one-computer classroom

A single classroom computer requires teacher to think ahead and plan well.  One computer in the classroom can be used effectively as a presentation tool, a tool for generation or production of student work, a cooperative learning tool and an in-class information resource.  

Teachers should not use the computer for reward or punishment. They must ensure that everyone gets a chance to use the computer since ICT enhances the teaching and learning process. The teacher should ensure that the computer is placed in a location where it can be monitored appropriately in order to give assistance to the students if needed and to ensure that they do not access unfavourable sites.  The computer should also be well secured.