Here is every teacher’s dream, the principal asks you what would you like the school to purchase for you to use in your classroom? The wrinkle in the dream is I have only one Internet capable teacher computer and it has to be software (no upgrades).
Obviously I have a quotidian computer, because I am but an average teacher. I have a wonderful Mac that I use on a regular basis.
Operating System: Mac OSX 10.5.8
Processor Speed: 2.4 GH2 Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory (RAM): 2GB 667 MHZ DDR2 SDRAM
Screen Resolution: 1440 X 900
Video Card: GeForce 8600mGT
Removable options: USB, Firewire, DVD (RW)
I had to obtain an understanding of how the computer works to ensure I choose software that is compatible with my computer. I really had no clue where to start. While I attended college for my undergrad, I did assist someone in building a couple of computers. This was years ago and I was more of the “helper” then the builder. Therefore, I thought I might understand a little more about the inner workings of the computer. I was mistaken. I had never really understood the binary system. The Binary System is the numbering system that uses just two unique digits. (Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, Shelly, Gunter and Gunter) How cool is it that I can type on the computer because there is this code to tell the computer what I am typing.
So here I am trying to pick software for my classroom that will benefit my students, while using only one computer. Additionally, it is so hard to obtain money for technology. I wanted to make a wise choice. I went off to read reviews and see what other teachers were using and working. I read a blog posting by Patrick Ledesm (The Ideal Technology Device for Students and Teacher) discussing the ideal technology to reach students. This description of wanted technology tool to actually interact and engage students lead me to eInstruction. Here I can get a system called CPS IR, (student response system) this is an Infrared remote that each student can interact during class. The best thing is it will work on my computer I have now and my textbook ExamView (test making program) will flow right into the program as well. (They also have a more expensive response system called the CPS Pulse that can do so much more).
Wonderful, I will be able to quiz students after I taught a lesson and get instant feedback. It shows the students the percent of the class that earned a correct answer and it sends the teacher an individual grade that students earned. This model allows multiple choice, yes and no and true and false question types. I can print reports to show student test scores. Our school runs on Data and I have to run multiple reports often to demonstrate my students are learning the benchmarks. This can be complicated at times because the school and state do not provide a test for me to assess my students, it is all teacher made.
I will have a problem trying to install this software to accompany the technology tool on my computer because I am not given administrative rights. I will have to gain access to be allowed to upload new software to my computer. Once the software is in my classroom, I might have a problem with using the Infrared system. The students will have to make sure nothing blocks the remote to computer link.
Rachel
ReplyDeleteWe have some type of clicker or CPS system at our school that we are able to check-out from the media center. I have often thought about using them, but have not because Texas Instrument has a hardware/software that allows me to do the same functions as the CPS system. Although, while having the students play a Quiz Show game that came with the new textbooks, I realized that if I checkout the CPS system it will work with the quiz show game.
I also struggle with the administrative rights that we need to have to download hardware and software. In my experience, it always seems to go by smoothly if I make sure that I talk with Technology coordinator at our school ahead of time.