How much does infrastructure impact on learning?

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Permalink Reply by Matt on March 9, 2008 at 5:18pm

I don't think that having a bunch of computers in the classroom makes a teacher better. A great teacher will find ways to be creative with the technology he/she is given and motivate his/her students to perform. I can think of two teachers who I consider expert teachers who's students definitely learn. The computers that they will be getting next year will only enhance what they already do.

As far as the platforms go, we'll be finding out soon enough at my school. We are preparing to make the switch to Macs next year (actually a hybrid of Mac and PC). Teachers seem to be more concerned with this switch than the students do. In the long run, I think it is a matter of how the technology is used and not the amount or type of technology in the classroom.

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Permalink Reply by Helen Otway on March 9, 2008 at 6:40pm

I agree Matt. How technology is used makes a difference. Lots of computers doesn't always = lots of good learning! Curious to know why the switch to Mac though as these are decisions made for a reason.

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Permalink Reply by Matt on March 10, 2008 at 7:17am

The main reason we are looking at Macs, is that our administration attended an in-service demonstrating how Macs can be used in the classroom. The district was in a state of stillness, so to speak, and this looked like a good way to motivate the staff to move forward. We (the tech department) are already finding limitations in software and previously used applications. Our active directory is currently an issue and we haven't been able to get them to print yet. I do know that the teachers have been more motivated to use technology in their classrooms.

The one thing I really like is that we have talked to a couple of school districts that use both Macs and PCs. They claim that the Macs have less technical issues (help desk tickets) than the PCs. This seems like a huge bonus to me. Granted this is just from a couple of districts, but it is promising.

As far as the cost goes, we just passed a tax levy and bond issue last April and this is where the inital money is coming from. I'm not sure where it will come from when it is time to replace them in a few years.

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Permalink Reply by Matt on March 10, 2008 at 7:18am

I think eMINTS has the right philosophy. Computers are just the tools that make great teachers better, but computers are only tools.

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Permalink Reply by Helen Otway on March 10, 2008 at 12:34pm

There are many points raised here that I think need to be considered when making decisions about the infrastructure in a school. Schools investment huge amounts of money and time into technology so it is important to think these ideas through. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle Carpenter on March 10, 2008 at 9:50am

Using technology in the classroom is beneficial in terms of engaging students in our curriculum. However, it can be more time consuming by making a typical 1-2 day lesson take twice as long. I taught at a school that had one functioning computer lab and a partially functioning laptop cart for the entire school. When I incorporated technology into my lessons and assessments, I had to make sure I had access to computers and that they were working. Plus, I was in a district where many students didn't have access to a computer. So, it definitely affected the frequency in which I used computers and the ways in which I used them. Now I teach in a district where each grade-level team shares two highly-functioning laptop carts. Each student has a district email account, and every single student has a computer and Internet access. Of course this access to technology makes a difference in my teaching ability. I'm able to use Power Point, Comic Life, Garage Band, iMovie, and other Web 2.0 tools in my lessons, knowing I'll have reliable access to technology. I also know that when I use web 2.0 tools in class, my students can go home and finish their work, because they have computers. Unfortunately, the playing field isn't level when a district is lacking funds to update technology.

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Permalink Reply by Helen Otway on March 10, 2008 at 12:43pm

This is really interesting. You are lucky to be in a district that has been able to support this set up. When I visited the US in 2007 I was able to see what you are describing in action. The teachers and students were all very motivated and keen to share their learning with me.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle Carpenter on March 10, 2008 at 9:59am

I want to add that I do agree teachers can teach great lessons without access to computers. Students can be engaged without computers. However, computers are a great resource that can add to students' enthusiasm and involvement in their learning. Plus, let's face it, computers are a part of their daily lives, so shouldn't we try to connect what we teach to what they know.

Can you tell I'm on spring break?

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Permalink Reply by J Guadalupe Salcido N on March 10, 2008 at 12:06pm

The kids´ learning does not depend of many computer in the room, I thik the learning depend the use of good strategies for improuve learning. The theacher's success is in his hability of using a desktops or lap. Remember the technology is a tool to be used, the kids are the important subjet of learning.

Have a nice day

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Permalink Reply by Govinda Prasad Panthy on September 12, 2008 at 11:03pm

i wish our students could see the computers. Can you imagine? hope u'll let our students know abt computers.

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Permalink Reply by Govinda Prasad Panthy on September 26, 2008 at 6:11am

Surely platform matters. You are talking abt desktop and laptop, our school kids are forced to learn without notepads, pen and pencils. Can you imagine how they finish schooling in early stage?

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Permalink Reply by Michelle on September 27, 2008 at 8:49am

Although technology has the ability to enhance teaching, effective teaching still occurs without it!! Teachers who are good at what they do will create a learning environment that works no matter what.

Consider this thought - The way in which technology is used and the comfort level of the instructor can determine the amount of learning that can occur. Technology must be combined with skilled teachers to help students meet learning goals. My point is that you can have a high tech classroom, but if the teacher is not tech savvy and able to incorporate its uses in the curriculum to be taught...it's pointless.

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