Module 2 Cell Phone Tetrads

Module 1

·         Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.

A current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning in my industry is the SMART Board.  The SMART Board is an interactive white board that helps improves learning outcomes.  This technology is combined with a white board and a computer (preferably-laptop) that allows teachers to deliver energetic lessons, write notes with digital ink, and saves your work as well (SMART, 2010).  SMART Boards are a great way to keep students actively engaged.

Below is a picture of my students actively engaged in an educational game from www.abcya.com.

·         What problems or challenges have been associated with this technology?

The problem associated with the SMART Board is that teachers do not know how to effectively use the software.  Every classroom is equipped with a SMART Board either mounted or on rolling wheels.  I have noticed that several teachers still have the original plastic coverings attached to their SMART Board.  Most of teachers who are not using this technology are veteran teachers whose minds are set that their old system of teaching works just as well as 21^st century tools. 

   

·         What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?

Society plays an important role in meeting the needs of 21^st century technology. The current trends bring you up to date with the modern standards of the digital and technology age.  Society advances rapidly and one must be able to keep up with these current trends of technology.  According to an article by Paula Saine (2012), she states “As society continues to advance, the demand for digital technologies in the classroom increase.”  The benefits of technology such as the SMART Boards will help increase students learning by keeping them focused and actively engaged through game like activities.  The outcome of these video game similarities are educational tools that students see as exciting and fun.  SMART Boards help teachers to incorporate the educational needs of students through virtual learning, shared lessons, collaboration, and helps to create an inclusive environment.

·         What would make this technology even better, avoiding the pitfalls you identified?

What would make the SMART Board even better is to have all teachers trained on how to use the interactive software and tools.  Examples of the key tools used with the SMART Board are the Document Camera and SMART Notebook software. 

The Document Camera helps create engaging lessons with 3D images, video, and audio. It is accessible and controlled through the SMART Notebook   

The SMART Notebook software offers many tools and features that help create quick, easy lessons.  The software supports interactive, multi-touch capabilities to help students interact with the lessons. 

References and Links:

SMART. (2010). Smart technologies. Retrieved from http://www.smarttech.com/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Interactive+whiteboards+and+displays/SMART+Board+interactive+whiteboards

http://smarttech.com/

http://smarttech.com/doccam

http://www.smarttech.com/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Software/SMART+Notebook+collaborative+learning+software/SMART+Notebook+collaborative+learning+software

Saine, P. (2012). iPods, iPads, and the SMARTBoard: Transforming literacy instruction and student learning. New England Reading Association Journal, 47(2), 74-79.