Tools to manage the classroom

April 10th, 2008  Tagged , ,

Watching this blog on the ways in which technology can help manage a classroom i encountered many obstacles.  It discusses the way in which teacher use technology in word processing written work. Although children are using technology students are not being challanged. I hold the belief tat student thinking and knowledge cannot be enhance if teacher’s have not had the same opportunity. What class has a teacher, teaching something they have no clue about. Therefore teachers needed to be educated about aspects of technology. This video discusses not only the way in which a student can use technology but also a teacher, e.g. class list – excel and photo’s using photo shop.  I believe that if a teacher can use technology in the class the education a child receives is resource rich and intriguing. Using word for lesson plans is also a great idea, as a teacher can constantly edit their teaching episodes, record and keep records of results which will ultimetly improve a child’s education. The ability for a teacher to use email allows constant communication between the school and the teacher.

Smartboards improve student performance???

March 27th, 2008  Tagged , , , , ,

The article ‘ Study links interactive whiteboards to improved student performance’ discusses the use of smartboards in the classroom and the overwhelming positive results in maths, english and science have had. It states that ’student performance in maths, english and science have improved considerably between 2002-2006′. This obvious due to the hands-on activities students are able to do within the class. Students are able to use softwares and media, in front of the entire class to demonstrate ways to master the knowledge of these KLA’s. Smartboards have greatly increased the confidence of teacher with the use of IT as well as teaching in general. Smartboards offer a physical interpretation of what the student’s are trying to learning. Instead of the teacher trying to explain what is expected during a specific lesson, students can be shown. Maths, english and science are key KLA’s in using the smartboards as online activities and worksheets are used to demonstrate examples rather than teacher diagrams on the chalkboard. With the continued use of smartboards both students and teacher will greatly benefit from the use.