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New Technology in the Classroom. When I first starting teaching in a Mexican school, the challenge was not only t engage 20+ students per class, but also to overcome the technology - or lack of it. As I looked wide-eyed up at my new co-ordinator who was proudly showing me around the newly built school, I commented “Wow! A Computer! “ as I spied it nestled in the front of the classroom between the teacher's table and class windows. I was serious. The school wasn’t, as I soon found out, it was a case of “All show, no go”, as the computers didn’t even turn on. At least each classroom had two blackboards spread across the front' and for a couple of years, that was our technology, chalk and talk, CD player and a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Eventually technology in the classroom became more of a necessity, if not for the need to deliver lessons on a more interactive manner, then also for the increasing competition within the education sector. After a weekend of installations at a later date, computer controlled whiteboards appeared in classes, complete with new computers and speakers. We immediately got down to work, scanning, building pages, lessons, extending resources, all protectively loaded on waiting USB’s. Drawing on the computer-driven whiteboards was a challenge. Firstly the computers were new, but the school didn’t want to spend too much money on them, so while looking nice and black and shiny, in retrospect, probably didn’t have enough Ram per computer to drive the board, windows and whatever we threw at it. Falling many times with the whiteboard colours, some teachers simply resorted to drawing on them with erasable markers. Given that each whiteboard was worth about $1000 each, and with tiny sensor holes in the surface, this was not a good idea. However the students enjoyed some audio - visual aids, presentations, worksheets, slides and PowerPoint presentations. Not one class passed without a white screen use, an inspiration, an interactive lesson, and fun! Eventually technology caught up with technology: the computers weren't hooked up to the internet, anti-virus software couldn’t be kept up to date, viruses took over computers and USB’s infected each other, all in a viscous cycle of destruction. Enter One-to-one Technology. iPads. Not only did the institute decide it would be a good idea to introduce iPads, but for all personnel, staff and students, This proved to be an outstanding decision for all students and for the school’s education in general. Projectors were changed, linking iPads directly to projectors and speakers. And of course, first the training. Two weekends of intensive Saturday’s and Sundays , followed up with random seminars, ensured that teachers were familiar with the operating system. What followed was an investigation of a few years into the best way to use iPads in the classroom. With all the school's preparation, there was one thing missing: how to actually use ipads effectively in the classroom. I kept at it, not knowing anything. What eventuated was all my classes being based on, and using one-to-one technology. Firstly all students were enrolled in Schoology. Not only can tests be given, but homework assigned, class tasks can be extended if not completed in school and grades given, all in the app. Whole classes can be uploaded before the class time, including page scans, tasks, videos and audio if needed. Students then need only follow the lesson on Schoology, the teacher is free to assist, guide and direct throughout the lesson. Secondly, and most importantly, are good quality scans of the lessons and pages. This would go without saying, however it’s amazing how off-putting a bad quality scan is. For Grammar, essential apps exist as well. Pearson have some great apps. AirTransfer+, Puffin Pro, Vlc player for iPad, PDF Pro-are some which allow great transfers and uploads to iPads. Once turned and running, I ran all my classes using iPad, projector and technology. Sure, it was a lot of work, much preparation and at times, a little complaining on the home front due to the time required, but the students enjoyed it, totally interacted, involved and 100% participation is worth it. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. For the high-tech and availability of school technology, use of iPads and projectors in the classroom are excellent. Immediately available information, access to lessons ion-line, student participation and engagement are all easily attained and class interaction is guaranteed. The time and effort taken with classroom technological preparation is well worth the investigation, time and effort, and students greatly appreciate and benefit from teachers' enthusiasm and input.
