Hey Kara,
To compute or not to compute, that is the question? Well, chapter 13 proved my theory in that everything about teaching has it's complications. My first response to the ideal classroom (technologically) was to have a one to one ratio of computers. I could see us in the middle of an exciting scientific experiment with our goggles on, hair on end, computer wires looking like a freak show of snakes winding around the room, and then, we took out the schools transformer. Oops! Okay, I am convinced that most school districts are not set up for the one to one (technically or financially). Thankfully, group work is a big part of science and adheres to my idea that learning in groups solidifies concepts. My classroom would have one computer for each group of four students. I could tame the cord mess easily enough and still provide fair access to the computers. Here at UIS we operate with one laptop per group and I don't think it unreasonable to have the same at the high school level. As far as technicians, when I get through your class my employer is going to have to pay me double for my expertise in technology. Seriously, I have talked with the science teachers at my sons high school and they tell me most days go smoothly and there are more and more tech savvy people now than ever who are willing to help. I think my mad little scientists and I are going to be fine. Laura Lee
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Great job describing and defending your ideal layout, Laura! And kudos on your win with logging into your blog!
ReplyDeleteI taught in the K-12 system for several years and had an opportunity to experience just about every layout imagineable. The layout that worked best for my teaching style was an instructor computer (attached to a projector) and 4-6 computers for class use - as you proposed for your science classroom. A computer lab was available with enough computers for every student. To be honest, I’ve never seen a portable laptop cart successfully work – including here at UIS. Laptops are certainly portable and easy to deliver. But with such a short battery life, the hassle of plugging them all in was not worth the convenience of having them delivered to the room. If only someone would invent a laptop that was charged from the lights in the room! Perhaps, that's something you could squeeze into your curriculum? I'd be eternally grateful!
I would also add a SmartBoard, document camera, and digital camera to my ideal layout. UIS is the only place I’ve ever worked where I had the luxury of all these technologies – and now I’m spoiled! We'll be experimenting with all 3 this Saturday, in case you aren't familiar with them.