Technology Rich Classrooms
Making a Difference
by Brandi Turner, TRC Facilitator
When PLMS was awarded the Technology Rich Classroom (TRC) grant last spring, no one knew the impact it was going to have on students, teachers or the district. Halfway through the school year, it has definitely proven to have a positive impact. Students are excited to enter the classroom and use the various pieces of new equipment. Teachers are excited to present content in a new and engaging method. The district is excited to see the effects on teaching and learning.
The 5th grade students use digital cameras to take still images of projects and experiments as well as using Flip camcorders to record performances and self-evaluations. They also use the Promethean Interactive Whiteboard as a hands-on learning tool. The Whiteboard has many different resources readily available.
The 6th grade students use ActivExpressions (student responders) on a daily basis as a way to communicate with the teachers. They are able to answer questions in all subjects while the teachers can graph and interpret the information as a form of assessment. Students also use digital microscopes as self-guided science investigations. They find various artifacts at home and on the playground that they like to “take a closer look at”.
All classrooms have incorporated technology into the daily routine which may include math problem demonstrations, digital timer used for reading fluency, interactive lunch count, information webs to take notes, presentation options in many subjects, and internet based interactive sites.
The Technology Rich Classroom teachers at PLMS no longer wonder how they are going to introduce new material to students. They now wonder which piece of technology they are going to use to present the new material.
