WHAT DOES CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY LOOK LIKE TODAY???
If you walk into a classroom today most likely you will find a broad range of classroom technologies, including the ones that have stuck around since the past. These new technologies include things like document cameras, interactive whiteboards, laptops, iPads, USB drives, and much more! There is also a lot of interactive software now used to teach students in the classroom as well. They make learning more interactive and hands-on, and overall make the classroom a more engaging environment. Teachers can communicate faster, more efficiently, and most importantly, globally! Let's take look at how technology has changed from the past to what we use now.
From SCHOOl slates to ipads
The Apple Ipad is the new technology being implemented and integrated into schools all across the country. It is a tablet that contains applications that can be used to teach, or practice content across all areas of education. Similarly to computers, Ipads need the internet to gain access to those online applications, however once connected you will find a plethora of apps suitable for classroom instruction from virtual frog dissection to flashcard apps for studying. Teachers and students can also use Ipads to communicate globally and promote cross culture awareness, which is one of the 21st century learning skills. With apps for dictionaries, encyclopedias, periodicals, and more; the Ipad has also become a great tool for students to use when doing research. Most importantly the iPad is portable and lightweight (Holmberg).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When you look at these two images above, do you see any similarities? any differences? Do you think the Ipad is the digital version of the school slate or just a replica in physical appearance? Have you seen Ipad use in the classrooms? If so, what was it being used for?
FROM FLOPPY's TO USB's!
FROM TYPEWRITERS TO LAPTOPS!
**Notice that both the typewriter and the laptop still use the "QWERTY" style keyboard created in the mid-late 1800's. I guess some things will never change, but let me not speak too soon!
We have come a long way from typewriters, which were used in schools all throughout the 20th century. We no longer have to start an assignment completely over if we make a typing mistake; we simply hit the "backspace key". In the 21st century, you will most likely see a classroom with at least two or more desktop computers and if they are really lucky a 1:1 ratio of laptops for their students. Laptops are very similar to computers in capabilities except they are smaller, more light weight, and best of all portable. Although you will most often see frequent use of laptops in higher levels education such as colleges, and universities, laptops can still be used in elementary classrooms as well.
Mrs. Power describes her success with students using laptops in her elementary classroom in her blog. Her students work on letter identification, letter sounds, rhyming words, and reading comprehension. She is even able to manage whether or not her students are staying on task through a software called SMART Sync. With the use of laptops, not only are her students learning, but they are excited about learning, all while practicing 21st century skills that are essential to this "digital age" (Power, 2009).
Too read her blog visit: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/classroom-solutions/2009/10/teaching-11-laptops-every-child
We have come a long way from typewriters, which were used in schools all throughout the 20th century. We no longer have to start an assignment completely over if we make a typing mistake; we simply hit the "backspace key". In the 21st century, you will most likely see a classroom with at least two or more desktop computers and if they are really lucky a 1:1 ratio of laptops for their students. Laptops are very similar to computers in capabilities except they are smaller, more light weight, and best of all portable. Although you will most often see frequent use of laptops in higher levels education such as colleges, and universities, laptops can still be used in elementary classrooms as well.
Mrs. Power describes her success with students using laptops in her elementary classroom in her blog. Her students work on letter identification, letter sounds, rhyming words, and reading comprehension. She is even able to manage whether or not her students are staying on task through a software called SMART Sync. With the use of laptops, not only are her students learning, but they are excited about learning, all while practicing 21st century skills that are essential to this "digital age" (Power, 2009).
Too read her blog visit: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/classroom-solutions/2009/10/teaching-11-laptops-every-child
FROM OVERHEAD PROJECTORS TO DOCUMENT CAMERAS!
TAKE A LOOK: What are some similarities you notice about the two? What are some differences?
from chalkboards to smart boards!
Student using SMART board at school
(Edwards, 2011)
I already discussed how chalkboards revolutionized classrooms in the 1800's. The new boards to revolutionize classrooms of the 21st century are SMART board interactive white boards. They were created in 1991, by David Martin and Nancy Knowlton, co-founders of SMART. Now when we walk into classrooms all over the country we will find a SMART board or interactive white board in just about every single one. "The SMART Board interactive whiteboard was the first interactive whiteboard to provide touch control of computer applications and the ability to write over standard Microsoft Windows applications." ("The history of SMART", 2011). The SMART board can be used in the classroom for many things such as playing interactive Jeopardy games to serve as review, using interactive maps to learn about geography, and doing hands-on math activities during centers-based learning. The SMART board also enhances boring presentations by allowing you to include interactive graphics, and videos; take notes on top of your material while your presenting, which you can save along with your presentation; and there is even a highlighter tool that allows you to highlight essential terms and phrases during your presentation. It has brought classroom instruction to its highest point, reaching all types of learners! Since the implementation of SMART boards into the classroom, students have been more engaged and more motivated to learn! They not only can be used in elementary school, but they are even being introduced to learners as early as two years old! Lets take a look at how SMART boards are being used on a preschool level.
How smart boards have changed over the years
What are some new technologies, not mentioned, that you have noticed available in schools today?