Clickers in the Classroom!

“Today’s students are known as digital natives have an attention span of just about seven minutes.” (TurningTechLA, 2012). With this being said, it is important to remember this when you are lecturing in the classroom. However, if you are using diverse technologies, then you will a higher chance of keeping your students engaged and participating. Interactive technology, such as classroom response system (clickers) is a great way to keep the students involved during the lesson. I have had some personal experience as a student with the clicker in the classroom. I remember having to be continuously focused on the teacher because you would never know when she was going to ask a clicker question. The following video gives an overview of a student response system (TurningTechLA, 2012).

I feel that the biggest benefit on the curriculum side would be the factor of quickly knowing whether or not the students are obtaining and grasping the content of material. Using a classroom response system can also keep the entire class involved (TurningTechLA, 2012). Teachers have a constant battle of trying to include all students which using the clicker would prevent that. Since these students are part of the technology generation, why not allow them to reach their full potential in the classroom using technology? I would use the clickers to ask random questions during the lesson to check if they are paying attention. I also would give quizzes via clicker. It would insure quick grading and would not waste paper.

I have always though that technology is great but only if it works. The same thing goes for if you can afford it. Although some schools do receive the funds to buy intensive technology, there are many schools that do not (Byrne, 2011). Since I have acquired a Google Reader, I have learned of the “Free Technology for Teachers”. It has provides some information on using other ways than a clicker and still get them same effect (Byrne, 2011). Free Technology for Teachers

References

TurningTechLA. (2012). Student response systems. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUIy1TzHSNQ

Byrne, R. (2011). Three alternatives to clicker response systems. Retrieved from http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/10/three-alternatives-to-clicker-response.html#.UWdQUVfYxAJ

Today's Special Education Classroom!

     Special Education is a term most people use as the dungeons in the basement of the school. However, I can speak first hand and say that is not true. There are certain regulations put in place that limits the restrictive environment of children will special needs.
     Look at this classroom and you can see that it is a very happy environment. Teachers are looking at the individual needs of each student and integrating them as a whole.  This Westdale classroom is a perfect example!







     Some classrooms even have the newest technologies. According to the Systems Theory, SMART board activities can be implemented into instruction (Roblyer & Doering, 2012). The basic idea is for children to learn through a research based program including specific objectives (Roblyer & Doering, 2012). There are reading and math programs that have SMART board activities embedded into their program. My favorite piece of technology in the classroom is indeed the SMART board, because it can be used for all ages. The board also has multiple uses. Besides learning, the children enjoy using it as a big screen to watch their favorite movies. Google Reader has some great subscriptions about technology. Here is a reference to get some more information about technology in the classroom.
Free Technology for Teachers
     If you are parent and have questions about your child's needs, talk to their teacher. Parents have a right to request an referral for special education because you are your child's main advocate. This website will give you more information about different disabilities and some of their characteristics. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

References (Roblyer & Doering, 2012)

Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching. 6th edition. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.