Not Your Momma's Classroom.

A few words about technology in the classroom out here in Virginia. It is awesome.

First, meet my buddy Larry. He's a "small" laptop lab with ten dell laptops. He lives in my room. Students can use him for internet searches, papers, reading books and brainstorming activities. They are very handy and if there is something wrong with one (for example, the E key is missing), I turn in a work order and it is fixed quickly.

Next, I would like to introduce you to the NEO2s. These are my little babies. I'm one of a few teachers in the county who has them, and they are little keyboards of joy. The NEOs are a streamlined ways to write a paper, and they can print wirelessly. Plus, they can be used to play games I make up on the spot in my classroom. The students can type in an answer, and it shows up on the projector. My second period is compliant and willing to play appropriately. My fourth period writes in answers about Hitler and Brian the whale.They are only allowed multiple choice question options now.

This is the main hub of activity some days. The document camera, projector and spot for my laptop gets a lot of use. For grad school I have been reading about "Learner Centered Teaching," and it makes me want to get away from this activity center and give my students more of the reins. I'm working on using the technology as an assist, not a crutch.

Rachel and I have been debating the pros and cons of technology this week. It's great to see our students using the technology to further their learning. But is it always the best way? Our students spend more time independently when they are on the computers and less time together working in groups. They have more control over their learning, but at what cost?