Technology-Infused Classroom

A Technology-Infused Classroom

     As a Master's degree student in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology, I certainly dream of what a technology-infused classroom would look like and how I could create one of my own.  Current classrooms that do not have technology represent a disconnect between the way students are taught and the real world (Klopfer, et.al.)  In the real world, communication and collaboration are valued.  This can best be accomplished in schools by creating a physical environment that gives equal weight to technological tools and encourages discussion and working together.  The main consideration for me is that there would be no barriers between the technology and the students.  Currently we must all troop down to the school library to use technology as a group.  I envision a time when "take out your laptops/tablets/smart phones" will be as easy and effortless as "take out your textbooks" is now.  Computers or tablets will not be relegated to a separate part of the building, but integrated as a regular feature of instruction and students will "reach" for a digital tool the same as they reach for any other learning tool.

     Creating this kind of environment begins with what we have available.  If I was interviewing for a classroom position, I would ask in the interview what technology is available in the classroom.  Once hired in a new position, I would survey the room.  Where is technology hard-wired in?  Where are outlets?  What digital tools are at hand?  Once these parameters are determined (I am assuming, here, that there is an abundance/variety of technology in this ideal room), I would create two types of areas:  one for presentation and several areas for technology-based interaction. 

     The technology-based interaction groups would be desks in small groups centered around technology, such as one or more tablet(s) or computer(s).  I would most likely have the technology on a separate student desk in the center of the group (to keep it safe) or, as in the picture above, on a large table.  To take advantage of outlets for recharging and spread out the sound of talking, these small, technology-enhanced groups would be around the perimeter of the classroom.   

     The presentation area would probably be in the middle and against one wall.  That wall would contain a screen to be used for PowerPoint presentations, projecting images with a document camera, watching videos, or an interactive whiteboard.  This would also be an area for students to record presentations, so a blue or green curtain would be on a curtain rod to easily cover the whiteboard.  A digital video camera would be permanently set up in this area as well.The area would be clearly marked by tape on the floor, so that we wouldn't have to worry about heads in the way.

References

Klopfer Eric, Ostrweil Scot, Groff Jennifer,  Haas, Jason (2009).  Using the technology of today, in the classroom of today:  the instructional power of digital games, social networking, simulations and how teachers can leverage them.  The Education Arcade:  MIT.  accessed July 23, 2012 at  http://education.mit.edu/papers/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf 

Stack, Greg (2012). 10 things in school that should be obsolete.  Mindshift. accessed July 24, 2012 at http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/07/10-things-in-school-that-should-be-obsolete/.