Technology infused into classroom learning

Gone are the days of learning to use a computer in a stand-alone lesson. Today’s students, from their earliest beginning, are using technology as a tool to master their academic skills. Although students still spend time in computer labs learning computer functions and various software applications, most students learn by doing. Such is the case for students in classrooms that have recently had state-of-the-art Promethean Boards installed.

Promethean Boards are interactive whiteboards that are attached directly to the wall with a projector installed from the ceiling. This system functions just as though the whiteboard was a computer’s touch screen, with students interacting with programs and services to learn their lessons.

"Having a Promethean in our second grade classroom is a must in our highly technical society," said teacher Jennifer Truong. "Students who interact with this learning tool are gaining knowledge and awareness of how to navigate computer programs in today’s world, maximizing their learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc) and realize that learning doesn’t just come from a book."

Five Promethean boards have been installed in the district. Although some teachers where using the SmartBoard technology, the added features of the Promethean bring learning to a different level. Following a demonstration on campus, teachers applied for funds through the grant. Along with being able to access the internet for quick lesson tie-ins, lesson planning and interactive assessments, the Promethean board features some outstanding tools. Kids are fascinated with the voting tool, which looks much like an oversized mouse. Students can respond to reading comprehension questions or math problems and with the voting tool, the teacher is immediately able to see if the students are understanding the material and which students in particular may be mastering the topic, or struggling. This allows for immediate correction or review of materials, or allows the teacher to move on to a new topic, if everyone is up to speed.

"Since having it installed in October, students have been much more focused and eager to participate during learning times," said teacher Chuck Malone. "Teachers have been able to get instant feedback that individual students are making by using the Activotes."

Teachers are able to access learning tools that correspond to EveryDay Math and the Harcourt Reading Series used by the district making the lessons interactive.

"I am able to deliver more interactive lessons now and with a high interest level for students," said teacher Kim Falzoi.

The classroom lesson has taken on a very different feel and an observation of a classroom quickly reveals how attentive the students are as they respond using the Activote, or take their turn working on the board. Not only does this improve the quality of their learning experience, the students are gaining an incredible comfort level with technology, which changes continually and will certainly be part of their working environment as adults.

"The Promethean board has sparked a new sense of excitement for my career and revealed endless possibilities for learning experiences with my students and other students in our school," said teacher Jennifer Truong. "My students are eager to come to school and see what new exciting lesson or activity I have planned with this great classroom tool."

So is this a passing fad? Certainly technology changes quickly, but teachers are excited about the focus and change in behavior of students as these boards have been used. In addition, today’s New York State Assessments require the use of numerous resources and ask students to pull together information to answer complicated multi-part questions, that historically, were seen until the upper grade levels. This tool certainly helps students understand the wide scope of resources from which they can learn, research and access to improve their knowledge base.

"We are only scratching the surface about what kids and teachers can do with this technology. It makes learning much more interactive and fun," said teacher Joe DeBell.

The Promethean tool opens up many more possibilities for students to experience learning in a hands-on way, said teacher Eileen McMaster. "It gives us a new way to share information and new resources for topics."

Certainly this learning tool is something that is better understood after seeing it in action, seeing the students entirely engaged and focused and to watch these very young primary and elementary school minds accessing information and exploring technology with an ease and excitement that is a unique experience for this generation of learners.