The Technology-infused Classroom

The Technology-infused Classroom

My vision of the technology-infused classroom is one of interconnectedness. The classroom is equipped with high speed internet with both LAN and wireless access. Each student would have a tablet or laptop that would contain their digital textbook, Microsoft Office, and other software needed for the class.  There would be a SMART board and projection system mounted in the front.  At least one good camera or web cam would be available for videoconferencing with others outside of the classroom and recording demonstrations for students to review after school hours.  If possible, the student tablets would be equipped with cameras also. The sound system speakers would be mounted around the room so that everyone can hear the same. Each student would have a smart response device to answer questions and interact with the SMART technology. There would be a network/wireless printer for everyone to access when needed.  A teacher computer and a document cam would be connected to the SMART board for teacher notes and demonstrations.

            The school would have a platform such as Edmodo where students & parents can check for announcements, retrieve homework pages, ask questions and even chat together in a supervised chat room while away from school. Grades could be viewed at any time. There would be an area for students to turn in digital assignments.  Each student would have a Turnitin.com ID for checking the digital homework to be submitted. A basic filtering system would be in place to monitor basic internet activity.

            This vision will have to happen in stages.  Funding would have to come from a mixture of technology budgeted items, donations from school partners, and grants written by teachers, staff, and technology committee members.  A priority list would be established and goals set.  Depending on the school organization, fundraising could be an option for some items. It is important for schools to get to a place where they can stop playing catch-up with technology issues and begin to think ahead toward future needs. These goals can only be accomplished if administration, teachers, parents and students work together to convey the necessity of the missing technology and jointly pursue its acquisition.