My Ideas on a Technology Infused Classroom

When I think about what a classroom that is infused with technology I envision a classroom that is very busy. There are laptops on every desk, interactive whiteboards that cover several surfaces,and  manipulatives.  The students are actively working in groups and these groups maybe working on the same project, but in different places using different strategies to solve the same problem.  There are multiple delivery methods available to the learner.  The teacher after having taught a lesson, which uses technology to help deliver the information, then engages the students in practice which also utilizes technology.  Finally the teacher presents the class with a real-world problem and resources to help the class solve the problem. At this point the teacher would become the facilitator guiding students toward resources that will help them solve a problem.  I envision the projects like the one featured in the YouTube video below in which the students build both a virtual and real museum! Students here take become archaeologists, architects, and geologists and they actually build something.  As you watch the video notice how busy everyone is and also how engaged they are.

 

In terms of how a technology infused classroom might carryout drill and practice exercises or hold a discussion , I envision students using the Innovation Station clickers featured in the YouTube video below. These devices allow the teacher instantly know who understands and who needs more practice.  How might students study if they knew they would not be assigned homework if  the teacher got the appropriate feedback from the Innovation station.  Teachers would no longer have to assign homework blindly they could concentrate their efforts on help students who need remediation and accelerate those who need it.  Getting this feedback so quickly makes this possible at a much quicker rate. 

My technology-infused classroom....mmm
There are several methods I have at my disposal to ensure I have a technology-infused classroom.  First careful planning as well as backup plan will be key.  I will evaulate the needs, and skill sets of my kids and combine this knowledge with the Academic Knowledge and Skill  curriculum for our county http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/aks.nsf/aks7?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expand=3.4#3.4
Second I will consider the tools I already have, the hardware my room is equiped with.  Currently in my room I have an LCD projector mounted to the ceiling and it is easily connected to the student computer station, my laptop, and VCR/DVD player.   Recently my students completed a project where they made PowerPoint presentations on Genetic disorders. My students presented their findings to the class by accessing a student shared folder where everyone saved their work.  Aside from the hardware there are a number of resources I can use. Some of the software programs that we use include the following online sites which are my favorites:

Ecology Sites
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/frogs/chain_reaction/index.cfm 
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngexplorer/0309/quickflicks/
http://puzzling.caret.cam.ac.uk/game.php?game=foodchain
http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Life/nitrogen_cycle.html
Genetics  Sites
http://www.amnh.org/ology/?channel=genetics
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/
http://www.sonic.net/~nbs/projects/anthro201/exper/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genome/program_adv.html

Online Text
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/login.jsp

My Teacher page
http://gcps-terripowell.onmycalendar.com/

Of the many sites that my GCU classmates have shared this one was my favorite!
http://atlantis.crlt.indiana.edu/site/view/Educators

 The Near Future
This year at my school one of the language arts teachers wrote a grant and got 5 digital cameras for our school.  So I plan to also incorportate these when doing science fair next year.  I am going to take a picture of each project to make it easier to grade. It is so hard to grade 92 science fair projects in one day.  I would also like to assign labs students can run at home and have them use the cameras to document their findings. 

Finally I just found out in 2 years our county will open an online middle school using Elluimante as the online collaboration system. I plan to be one of the new teachers at this school. I am unsure as to all of the resources that will be available, but I know technology integration will be the connerstone of the school.