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Today I worked towards my goal of continual growth in technology knowledge and skills (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx) by attending the “Twenty-First Century Teaching and Learning Forum” through the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 in Waco, Texas (http://www.esc12.net/). The forum was not quite what I expected, but still worthwhile. The experience left me with the feeling of having listened to a six-hour Promethean sales pitch.
Presenters introduced, explained the benefits of, and demonstrated use of the Promethean Activclassroom including; Activsound, Activslate, Activote, Activexpression, Activsoftware Inspire and Activboard+2. Activsound is an audio enhancement program in which a microphone wirelessly sends the presenters speech to speakers. Activslate is a remote control panel for the Promethean board. Activote is a hand held wireless device used for voting. I am not impressed with any of these products. I can speak loud enough to be heard in my classroom, I do not mind being located near a Promethean board or laptop, and I like seeing kids raise their hands.
The three items I did find interest in is Activboard+2, Activexpression and Acticsoftware Inspire. Activboard+2 includes an updated Promethean board with integrated speakers, a mounted projector and updated lesson development software. Activsoftware Inspire contains preprogrammed lesson development software for use with the Promethean board. Activexpression are student hand held devices that send data through word, number, or symbol format to answer multiple-choice questions. The selections are automatically recorded and can be downloaded into an excel file. This gives the teacher instant feedback on content understanding.
While at the training, I learned from our technology representative that our campus has ordered eight sets of the Activexpression devices, and upgraded our software license to Activsoftware Inspire. The use of these devices will expand my current ability in the classroom. I will have to familiarize myself with the Promethean software, locate resources and practice with the hardware. However, I feel students will be engaged in content and will enjoy taking short formative assessments (quizzes) following a lesson using the devices. For example, I can integrate Brain Pop (http://www.brainpop.com/) with Promethean, watch a selected video on the board and students can take the quiz using Activexpression devices. The quiz is graded automatically, and I have data telling me who understands content, and who I need to target in small group instruction.
I see no need to modify my plan at this time. I do need to look closely at my curriculum and locate opportunities to implement the digital tools I learned about today.
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Ken - I've been there too when it comes to being at a sales pitch for a product masquerading as a seminar. It would have been a struggle for me as I don't have a interactive white board in my room and our district has put SmartBoards in most other classrooms.
ReplyDeleteYou are always so energetic and proactive in your advancement of technology. You must be very dynamic in your building and in your classroom. I hope your administration looks for ways to advance your career to spread that enthusiasm. I catch the motivational buzz just blogging with you.
Here's my comment/question? As students use more interactive software and hardware, what do you see as the negatives? I can see how their short term memory and fast turn-around of information is tied to the use of these instant response tools, but is that in the best interest of the student? I have a number of students that are successful in other subjects struggle in art class due to their skills with using art tools. It seems fine-motor skills are regressing. I have begun saving digital files and compiling a portfolio for some students that work with OT and PT specialists. We are looking for progress in their skills as they relate to their personal therapies. I wonder if I should begin doing it for all students as they use more keyboards and other tools to interact with the technology of whiteboards. What do you think?
Ken, I agree with you about the microphones. My room is setup with one. I do not use, because I feel like I am selling fast food. If the students cannot hear my speaking voice, that might be an indication of the behavior in my room.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found a few things useful from the seminar. I find that less than half of the information you receive at those things is helpful. Are the Activexpression devices able to change rooms?
It sounds like your school has a lot of technology in it. My school has some technology, but our support team is lacking. We have one Tech Support person for four schools, so getting things repaired is an issue. I hope you have a better and faster system in place.
Sounds like you are doing a great job with your class and adding 21st century elements to your lessons.
Mary
Donna,
ReplyDeleteI think a potential negative to technology use is over reliance. As educators we hve to be able to do our jobs when the computer is freezing up, the internet is down. In addition, some learners prefer the learning that takes place through human interaction over a digital resource. I thing technology integration needs to be one part of a balanced approach to education.