Greg's+Classroom

Classroom Technology
In my classroom, there was plenty of technology. A new building and in a particularly wealthy neighbourhood, my school boasted 4 student computers and 1 teacher in the classroom. Presently, there are 2 Smart Boards within the school, which will grow to 5 by the time I am on placement again after thanksgiving. These boards are fully equipped with speakers to enhance multimedia presentations.

How was the Technology used
My teacher used her computer as a method of interacting with colleagues as she checked her email every recess, in the mornings, and before leaving school. She also reported that she checked her email every night at home just incase there was information before the day she should know about. Unfortunately, due to a board issue students did not have their usernames and passwords for the student computers until the last day of my experience at the placement. In addition, it did not appear as my teacher was fluent with the Smart Board as she used it as a glorified projector. It was often used as a projector screen for things the teacher would put up from her computer.

Was it Effective for Teaching
I believe that while my teacher was effective teaching, her use of the technology in the classroom was not effective. My teachers use of a computer and email was effective as it allowed her to communicate with other staff members easily. I believe my teacher could have made her lessons a lot more interactive with a use of the Smart Board.

Photo 1: Teachers desk in back center with computer, Smartboard and projector on the right

Photo 2: Four student computers