Technology in the Classroom

How Technologically Advantaged Are Schools? -this pertains to only certain schools, who responded to a survey.

 Medicine Hat, Alberta They have money available. They are technologically disadvantaged due to lack of correct usage.
 Redvers, Saskatchewan They have money available. They are technologically disadvantaged, possibly due to their rural setting.
 Dallas, Texas They are dependent on grants for funding. They consider themselves to be cutting edge and somewhat advantaged compared to other Catholic schools in the area.
 Chicago, Illinois They normally have money available. They are technologically advantaged.
 Moosejaw, Saskatchewan They have money available. They are technologically advantaged.

What do those Teachers Who Use Technology, Have to Say About Technology?

 

 Dara Dawson says: Only using the word processing aspect of computers, is useless.
 Tom of Alberta says: The curriculum needs updating.
 A teacher from Illinois says: Some teachers make great use of technology, others see a computer as a really expensive pencil.
 A teacher from Montana says: It would be great to have 1 student for each laptop instead of 1 laptop for every 2 students. It would also help if there was freedom within the curriculum, so that I could teach what I want to teach through technology -Amy teaches grade 3-
 A teacher from Saskatchewan says: We need to 'hook' "students with technology they think is cool and trendy. Sure it's cool but look what it can do in a classroom. Students also need to be able to show off their work globally. It makes a huge difference."
 Anne Williamson of Montana says: There is still a need for pen and paper (notebooks and textbooks). Hard copies are easy for kids to work with and study from; and they are easier for me to correct.

What Programs and Tools Are Out There to Help You in Your Classroom?

  • Audio Recording Devices
  • Cellphones (Google SMS, Poll Everywhere, Gcast)
  • Email
  • ftp
  • Gcast
  • Google Reader
  • H2 Voice Recorder
  • The Internet in general
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking
  • Moodle
  • Photoshop
  • School Websites
  • Tablet PCs
  • Video Recording
  • VoiceThread
  • Webpage Creation
  • You Tube
  • Blogs (wordpress, blogger)
  • Databases
  • Diigo
  • Facebook
  • Games (for concept learning)
  • Google Docs
  • Google Sites
  • Illustrator
  • iPods
  • LCD Projectors
  • Mp3s
  • Poll Everywhere
  • Podcasting
  • Tumble Books
  • Video Conferencing
  • Interactive Weather Maps
  • Wikispaces
  • Bluetooth Imaging
  • Delicious
  • DYKnow
  • Flickr
  • GarageBand
  • Google Earth
  • Google SMS
  • In Design
  • Jog The Web
  • LitePro
  • Ning
  • Powerpoint
  • SmartBoards
  • Twitter (great for networking)
  • Virtual Demonstrations
  • Web 2.0
  • Word Processors

 

For Those of You Running the Technology Aspect of Your School: Some Teachers Spoke About What Needs Improving:

 

 Carey Pohanka of Virginia says: We could use more computers and it would be great if there was an easy way to have kids sign up for different accounts. [perhaps school e-mail addresses?]
 Anne Williamson of Montant says: It would be great to have some SmartBoards around.
 A teacher from Saskatchewan says: More computers and perhaps some LCD Projectors in the classroom.
 Paul Wood of Texas says: More Bandwidth.
 A teacher from  Virginia says: Access to cameras (still and video) would be nice.
 A teacher from  Saskatchewan says: Access to laptops, would be good. Also, teachers should have the ability to unblock certain websites for use in class, without having to hunt down someone from the tech support department.
 Sharon from New Zealand says: Computer access in the classroom, that way I don't have to fight to get time booked in the lab.

Big Question Time: What Doesn't Work?-

  • The Curriculum needs updating.
  • There is too much technology, too soon.
  • Teachers are not using technology to its fullest potential.
  • We cannot take out pen and paper all together, there is still a need for it.
  • Being in a rural setting where some students do not have access to high speed, causes some issues.
  • Not having access to things, in the classroom.
  • "I think the thing that helps integration is the teacher with the best lesson plans. Those who do not prepare well do not merely incorporate technology well since there is not a good plan in place." -Paul Wood
  • "Top down tech stuff never works. Teachers have to see the power of the technology in the pedagogy before it becomes integrated in the classroom. How will I use it should come right after Gee Isn't This Cool." 
  • Stand along technology.
  • There needs to be a good support tech staff, there has to be intense, sustained, consistent education and mentoring of teachers in order to ensure that technology is used in a way that will enhance learning.
  • Using computer skills and learning computer skills as a separate class, does not work.
  • Always have a purpose - don't just use technology for the sake of using technology.

To Lighten the Mood: What Are Some of the Best Working Aspects?

  • Exploration, Innovation, Motivation
  • When the administration expresses interest
  • Wikis and VoiceThread
  • Social Networking
  • When the integration is done by trained teachers for collaborative work.
  • For real time information
  • Online demos/assignments
  • WebQuests
  • "Reaching a point where students don't have to be reminded to stay on task. They have reached a point where when we are doing something in class they simply ask, may we check Google or the web on our phones. My response is always yes." - Paul Wood
  • Hands on workshops that show HOW, not just what
  • "the integration of music and visuals helps make strong links between information and the hands on application/creation creates greater depth of understanding and retention but how that happens varies depending on what we're covering and by teacher as well." 
  • Embedded use "and hooking students with technology they think is cool and trendy. Sure it's cool but look what it can do in a classroom. Students also need to be able to show off their work globally. It makes a huge difference." 
  • 1:1 computers and wireless internet
  • A meaningful context for computer skills
  • Google Docs, Delicious