Tuesday, May 29, 2007
New Technology
A news story caught my attention tonight regarding the use of a new type of technology in the classroom. A school in New York is trying out a program which teachers claim has increased class participation up to 100%. Each student was given a handheld device, (similar to a video game control) that is used to punch in responses to questions asked by the teacher. When students enter their answers they are recorded into a computer anonymously, saving students the embarrassment of giving a wrong answer out loud. The teacher can then view the responses to determine if students have understood the lesson. I thought something like this would especially be helpful to ELLs, who might want to participate in class, but do not yet feel comfortable speaking out loud. I think this is a great way to get every student contributing and it also enables teachers to determine if changes or clarifications need to be made. Teachers claimed that with these new devices, students are eager to participate and it allows the quieter students a chance to contribute while alleviating the stress of speaking in front of the class. The school officials testing the program explained that when used correctly the devices are intended to enhance class discussions, not take away from. A student who was interviewed stated that he along with other classmates enjoyed using the keypads and felt that they encouraged participation. While the cost of these devices is expensive, they appear to be a really good investment- although I know it depends on the school district and their funding as to whether or not this technology could even be a possibility, it is something to be aware of and keep in mind. I think ELLs would really appreciate and benefit from this technology as would all students in the classroom.
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5 comments:
I saw something similar last week on the news. In Australia students are using ipods in virtually all of their classes. They can hold more information than normal textbooks and can be updated every few weeks. I began to wonder if ELL students would be able to use these technological devices to learn English quickly and more efficiently. It makes sense. Students could hear lessons and the teachers oral speech in their native language as well as English. Does anyone know if we have anything similar in the states?
I think that the technology used in schools now are incredible. However, sometimes I wonder if it is too much. I really like how this new device allows the teacher to keep track of everyone's progress. With this tool, the teacher can see if everyone understands the information immediately, without having to wait for an assessment. The only negative I could possibly see is student participation decreasing. In middle school, it is more difficult to get students to participate out loud as it is. If they had the opportunity to participate without being vocal they might not speak up. This tool would be great for ELLs as you stated, but I think a teacher should be cautious about this. Maybe by creating some sort of reward system or adding oral participation as extra credit could help balance this.
I actually used a system like this in one of my classes at Kean. The program was provided by the publisher of the textbook we were using. The professor had to download the program to her lap-top computer. Each students' textbook came with a clicker. The professor then had to register each clicker that was going to be used in class to her computer. It was really neat to respond to questions using this system, and it definately did increase class participation. There were, however, downfalls to this "polling system". The first one being that the questions were created by the publishing company, and not the professor. The professor was not able to use the system to ask the questions she wanted to or that reflected a particular discussion we were having. A second downfall was the technical problems. The program often froze or did not work properly. Another possible downfall to using a system like this, is the fact that the classroom must contain all the necessary equipment needed to run such a system (computer, large pull-down screen, projector to project image from computer on screen, etc.).
Wow that is such a great idea. I think this would make students less scared to raise their hand in class. I know that I was always nervous about giving a wrong answer. I would have loved having this technology in my school. I would have been less scared about raising my hand and giving a wrong answer. I think this technology would also help ELL students. Students learning English are most likely shy and nervous about learning the language. Having these devices would maybe give them some confidence in responding to teachers' questions.
what is the problem with old fashion teaching!!!!!!!!!!!! teacher and students in one room knowing each other making friends, working together. Students learn many sckills with the teacher they learn to care, to be social, active learners and to listen carefull while an adult is speaking to you.
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