C4, Q2
Considering that the needs of all students should be met, what do you think the best allocation of limited technology dollars should be to meet these students’ needs? Give examples to support.
Classrooms now consist of students of all learning styles, levels and abilities. This “mainstreaming” of students has benefited everyone as students both with and without special needs are exposed to differences that at one time would have been viewed as barriers. Matching technology acquisition with these blended learning environments requires equipment that is versatile enough to accommodate all users. Specialized computer add-ons must be considered when purchasing basic technology components. Laptops and desktop units should allow for modified keyboards and output devices such as screen readers to be easily installed.
Here at CISE, we are currently looking at ways to modify our computer lab in JBG 105 , a set up that was used years ago with traditional rows of desktop units that are hard wired to a LAN. When first set up, the majority of students did not own computers and that is definitely not the case today.
While still mainly in the planning stage, the Technology Committee is looking at all options to redesign JBG 105. One goal is to create a lab that can be re-arranged to fit instructional needs and still provide adequate space for student mobility. Tables will need to have enough space for students to use their own equipment as well.
A key component in any redesign effort must be the actual physical layout of the lab as this will impact the placement of student work stations and storage of equipment. While the current trend seems to be to become 100% wireless, the Technology Committee recognizes the limits of USM’s bandwidth and has requested that as many technological components as possible be LAN connected so that students can have more wifi access through their own mobile devices. This may seem counterproductive at first, but it will solve the issue of students not being able to connect to the internet due to bandwidth limits. Once these modifications have been identified, funding can then focus on purchasing assistive computer devices and technology support for TAG and CLD students.
C5, Q3
What is the most significant opportunity presented by technology integration?
The opportunity to expand the learning experience of any student is greatly enhanced through the use of technology. Strategic plans that include integrating technology can provide access to unlimited informational resources and collaboration. With the addition of special computer adaptations, all students in a classroom can be engaged in the learning process and contribute to discussions. In this way, a classroom setting composed of learners with various learning styles and computer abilities can still function as a cohesive unit and encourage collaboration among class members while still being tailored to meet individual needs. Administrators, staff and instructors must all take part in developing long range plans for infusing technology and policies must address its inclusion into course syllabi.
What role does training play in effectively integrating computers in the classroom?
Much like students who need to learn information in learning styles that best work for them, teachers also need to improve computer literacy as newer technologies are added to classrooms. The time involved in mastering new applications may present a big challenge when scheduled among other instructional duties. Training is an ongoing process that allows instructors as well as administrators to stay abreast of updates and to plan for further improvements. Technology upgrades placed in classrooms can create unnecessary frustration when teachers are unable to utilize the equipment or applications as a result of a lack of familiarity and in-service training often provides the hands-on experiences that are needed. A teacher’s comfort level with technology directly impacts its use in lesson planning and classroom use. Chapter 5 mentions the importance of having comprehensible input with multimedia tools conveying visuals, navigation aids and graphic organizers that are incorporated into lessons.
C6, Q1
What three pieces of equipment do you think you would most want for your future or current classroom?
If I were to choose three items to add to CISE’s technology inventory, my list would include the following for each classroom:
1. Scanners with Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Having such a scanner allows old hard-copy documents to be scanned for easy edits. We have a few files of student advisement forms that are only now being created as electronic versions. Having a scanner like this would definitely eliminate having to create them from scratch.
As a teaching tool, being able to edit a student’s work in real time would provide learning experience for the entire class as they watched the original submission transformed into a more suitable document.
2. Electronic Whiteboards
Today, more classes than ever are being taught online and these electronic whiteboards can reach out to those students. While the text does mention reaching out to home bound learners, having these interactive boards can enhance the instructional experience of anyone attending online. Personally, I would enjoy seeing an instructor write on the board as if I was actually sitting in this classroom. An even greater benefit is that these sessions can be recorded. CISE has similar capabilities through Blackboard Collaborate, but electronic whiteboards in every classroom could also be used to give feedback to instructors on teaching styles.
3. Video Conferencing Systems
Video conferencing systems can bring together physically separated settings into one cohesive classroom. With classes being held on the Hattiesburg as well as the Gulf Coast campus, scheduling a joint session has always been a bit of a juggling act. Presently, CISE must rely on the few IVN rooms that are available on campus. Having our own systems would enable the department to combine small classes into a larger class taught by one instructor, a result that is a more efficient use of funding.