I enjoyed reading chapter two in Supporting Learning with Technology by Joy Egbert. She made me think of something I had not considered before. In one section, she discusses how the physical layout of classroom computers can influence whether students use them effectively or not. She recommends dispersing computers around the room in different learning areas so that students use them in various content areas. She also recommends that they be situated in a way that allows students to easily collaborate with the teacher and with each other. She does not advocate lining computers in rows and/or separating them with dividers. Who knew we were doing it all wrong at my school? I can't wait to share this information with my principal, tech lab teacher, and other colleagues.
Egbert, J. (2009). Supporting learning with technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
PBL Final Project Reflection
16 years ago
This is the exact passage that I picked out and discussed on my blog. Technology is such a waste if it is not used, but in order to fully utilize it, it needs to be accessible and convenient. I spoke with the Foundation to try and get my Smartboard moved; I'm still using it, but I think I would even more if it was in another location in my room.
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