- The smartboard was used as a glorified projector.
- Computers and laptops were never used. If anything needed to be typed out, that had to be in personal time. There was one computer in the room besides the teacher's but it was only used to put finishing touches on assignments.
- As for cell phones, the high school has a very strict policy on using them only in the designated areas which my students were exceptional in obeying that rule. I did give one class an assignment where I allowed them to use their phones for the internet use as well as videoing their skits. The students were super excited to use their phones in class; but as a teacher, once the phones were out, I couldn't make sure all 30 students were staying on task with the phones.
- Any other technology, like ipads, was not even an option.
Before I went out on my first placement, I worried that I would be left in the dust once I got to the school and was not able to use technology like my co-operating teacher. But once I got into the school, that is not what I found. This may be a technological time but, if the students live and breathe technology at home, why not give them a different experience at school? I know that, when properly used, technology can add to the learning experience but moderation and discernment should be a factor in the decision making process.
Interesting observations & reflection. It does show how different use of tech is from one school (& SD & teacher) to another.
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