Evolution of Technology in my Classroom. A look back on the past ten years at Pekin High School
By ClariceChick
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The Projector Years
Teachers had to checkout projectors from the library if they wanted to do a power point or show a video. These projected on to screens. We had computer labs that could be checked out hourly. All teachers had a desk top computer to work on and hookup to the projector. -
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Computer Lab Years
Computer labs are available to check out hourly. These are used for online lab simulations. They are also used for students to prepare presentations or type papers. No assessment at this time using technology. They begin to phase them out in 2016 and they are completely gone by 2018. -
SMARTBOARDS!
Starting in 2011 teachers began to get smartboards. This fazed out the projectors. They were interactive and students could individually write on them during whole class instruction. Some teachers utilized them more than others. The math department uses all smart files for their lessons. -
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The Smartboard Years
All classes have a smartboard. -
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Laptop Years
Class sets of laptops were available to checkout. These stayed mostly in the English department and were used for research and word processing/typing papers. -
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IPAD Years
Sets of 10 IPADS were available to check out. These were mostly used in my classes for research. -
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Chromebook Revolution
Chromebooks were slowly introduced. At first we could check them out hourly. Then we could have them for three days at a time. Some teachers began to pilot Chromebooks and were allowed to keep them afterwards. The technology committee was formed to establish a plan to go 1:1. Higher order activities were being developed but it was difficult when you were not sure of when you would have the technology available to you. -
The 3D printer
Our school purchased 2 3D printers for our Career and Tech ED department. I personally have not used them in my classroom. Those teachers are having students make their own designs. -
CANVAS-School wide Learning Management System
Our school purchased CANVAS. Teachers began to put everything online. It links up with google and makes submitting assignments easy. Tests were being added to CANVAS as well as whole class modules. -
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Chromebooks=Changes in classroom instruction (Inquiry)
When students started to have regular access to their own devices instructional changes started.Formative assessment was the first. Apps that provided immediate data were used regularly. Students could start to collaborate in and out of school.I adopted the inquiry method of teaching. I provided questions and students and to search for answers and apply what they learned.More student lead showing what they learned instead of just answering multiple choice. Technology=more higher order thinking. -
Learning Center is created (formerly known as library)
Our library is remodeled with a focus on technology. We have a room with a green screen and six collaborative screen stations. Charging stations and flexible seating is provided. Teachers can check out individual rooms as needed. -
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My Chromebook Pilot
During this time I piloted Chromebooks in my classes. I had 30 that I kept in my class at all times. LIFE WAS EASY! I implemented formative assessments and students used them to go to the Learning Center and make movies using the green screen and give collaborative group presentations. They also had access to websites that gave real time data on animals and climate that could be utilized in our classes......then they were gone and the next semester was difficult. -
1:1 with Chromebooks Begins
Ipads, laptops, and computer labs are all goneAll students are issued a chromebook at the beginning of the school year. They are used daily in almost all classes. Students collaborate using Google. Teaches either use Google classroom or CANVAS as their LMS. PD is focused on technology use and technology coaches are provided throughout the building. -
Connected Classroom-Changes for Next Year!
Next year I am going to include Mentor Matching in my Zoology class. This will transform my class into a CONNECTED CLASSROOM! Students will match themselves with a professional in the field of their choice that will help them through the design process of their passion project. This is currently in the works. -
New Teacher Computers
All desk tops will be replaced with either new models or laptops. Teachers currently have their own Chromebooks as well as desktops in their classrooms. -
New flat panel TVs and Smartboards.
The old smartboards are slowly being replaced as they break. English and Social Studies are receiving flat panel Tvs while the rest of the departments receive flat panel smartborads. -
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TCH 430-Impact on Tech in the Classroom
During the duration of my TCH 430 I incorporated more technology within the classroom. Google Sites were used to show personal growth as well as a collaboration tool. I had not used Google sites prior to this semester. Timelines were incorporated to make connections. Google maps were collaborated on. Students also used simulations that were also fun games (peppered moth activity) to incorporate gamification. -
STEM Classroom-Makerspaces and more PBL in the future!
I have been approved to get updated STEM furniture for my classroom and change it into a more innovative learning space. This will allow me to incorporate more PBL projects as well as move from constructivism to constructionism.
