My cooperating teacher at the middle school has a Promethean Board and the students and teacher really seem to like it. When the students walk into class, she always has a word problem on the board and then they can start working on it. After they have all done it, a student will come up and write on the board. The students get really into it because they want to be the one who writes. In this case, the technology is a motivation for the students.
I also liked learning about the grading system the teachers used. I think parents would find this very useful. If i would use that program, I would check to see which parents are using it and which aren't. I think that would be information that would be useful. If a parents wants to meet with you, but has never looked at the grades, I would know that I have a lot to explain to them about their child's work. If a parent that is always looking at it wants a meeting, I know that I wouldn't need to waste my time or theirs by showing the grades for all the assignments.
I think technology will be a great tool for teachers and students. We need to remember to use it in moderation, like anything else. As long as the students are benefiting from it, I am all for it.
I have to agree on the grading system, Erin. Having everything there in front of you at the click of a mouse would be so convenient and helpful. Just thinking about how much faster that would be as opposed to paper grades is mind boggling. It could potentially be a life-saver too because of the easy access it gives teachers to medical information. Knowing that one of your students has asthma could make a big difference later on if that student has an asthma attack. The teacher also has the ability to know which parents are taking an active role in monitoring their child's academic progress. What a blessing this software is to teachers!
ReplyDeleteI like your point that technology can be a motivator to students. I too was surprised what a hot topic technology was in our class. It seems like anything else, that it can be a great source, but also could be abused, or have negative effects. It seems like with everything else, it's just a matter of finding a balance of what works for the students and the teacher. I agree with you, if students are benefiting from it, why not go for it.
ReplyDeleteThe electronic gradebook and notes on students in things like Power School really are amazing. Having so much information at the click of a mouse, and it is so easy to access is great. I know at my high school, my teachers had to keep written grades to both verify their computer grades, and incase the server crashed, which happend multiple times. I like the Power School method and what it can do for teachers and parents.
ReplyDeleteI agree with getting to know each of your students and finding out what exactly can benefit each student. Today I think most students are enthusiastic about technology but I also believe you must find some sort of balance. You have to continue to get a little more interaction outside of the student and their tools.
ReplyDeleteI too thought that the virtual tour through powerschool was very cool. I really liked that the teacher could check to see how many times the parents and students were checking their grades and that the system carried so much information about the student and their needs. It seems to me that for teachers who are teaching at the secondary level and are responsible for 6 or 7 classes each day this program would be VERY helpful. I especially liked that she had access to the kid's grades in other classes because if he/she is struggling in your class and you notice her grades are slipping in other classes as well, it might be a red flag that something troubling is going on.
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