This document summarizes the technology resources available in an urban elementary school classroom, including a Promethean Board, ActivSlate, student computers, and Activote student response system. The teachers received training on the technology and collaborate to design lessons using the different tools to engage various learning styles. They are able to rapidly assess student understanding through activities on the board and the response system, identifying those needing extra support. Both teachers feel the technology keeps students engaged and allows flexible, fast-paced instruction tailored to today's students.
2. The Setting Urban elementary school Third grade inclusion classroom Second year teacher regular education teacher Fifth year special education teacher 22 students 10 female, 12 male 100% African American 6 Students with Disabilities 2 Students repeating third grade
7. Activote:Student Response System The student response system allows the teacher to rapidly collect assessment data. The data is used to determine which students need enrichment or remediation activities. The teachers are also able to spend more time assessing student writing samples since they are freed from grading multiple choice and true/false questions.
8. ActivSlate The ActivSlate allows the teacher and students to manipulate the Promethean Board from anywhere in the room. The students are often given the ActivSlate to complete a task in front of the entire class.
9. ActivInspire While the hardware deployed in the classroom is certainly significant, the power of the software driving the system should not be ignored. ActivInspire from Promethean allows the teachers and students to create and manipulate text and pictures with easy. Additionally, Promethean Planet, the company website, provides a wealth of assets.
10. Professional Learning All teachers at the school have been provided significant professional development in the use of the Promethean Board, the ActivSlate, the Activote system, and the ActivInspire software. The professional development courses have been taught by consultants from Promethean and the school system’s instructional technology team. The teachers reported a high level of comfort with using the technology.
11. What Teachers Have to Say “The high level of technology changes the way you teach. I have limitless options on how to deliver content. My students can’t wait to see what we are going to do next. Also, the students can get instant feedback on what they know. I can reteach if necessary.” Third Grade Regular Education Teacher “My students are engaged. We are able to design lessons that grab their attention. With the children that we have in the classrooms today, we have to have fast paced instruction. That is the type of world that they have grown up in.” Third Grade Special Education Teacher