This week in the field was quite different for me. I actually did not spend any time in my assigned classroom. I instead was working with third graders at both Cornerstone and Kean Elementary Schools for my I.S.
I am looking at the effects of technology in the early childhood mathematics classroom, especially the use of interactive whiteboards. For my study, I have split the third graders into three experimental groups in order to teach them a lesson on angle measurement. The first group is taught following the typical Everyday Math model, the second is taught solely using the SMART interactive whiteboard, and the third group is taught using a combination approach, incorporating the previous two methods. I am giving the students pre- and post-tests to measure their improvements.
The lessons went fairly well this week. Setting up the technology piece at Cornerstone was quite a task, I must admit. The SMART boards currently in place at both of these schools are somewhat small front projection boards. This means that you need a projector set up in order to have the image show up on the screen. This does not take away from the interactive nature of the board, but it does create a few more cords, all of which the students have to step over.
All in all, the week was a success, and I am glad to have this huge piece of my I.S. completed. Now, I need to finish analyzing the test scores in order to draw necessary conclusions.
I’m excited for what the future holds as far as technology in the classroom is concerned. Although these particular boards are not ideal, a lot can be done with them. I spoke with several of the Kean third graders informally about their use of the SMART board in their classroom, and they really do enjoy using it. They told me they use it for their morning work, math, science, editing, and various other activities. They also told me, with excitement, that “you can make the board talk!”
I think that with more and more teacher experience with these boards (and other forms of technology), they will have a greater role in the classroom environment, and produce great educational results.
Field Hours: 0
Support Hours: 1
I’m happy to hear you were able to get into the classrooms for I.S.! And even though you were not in your normal field placement this week, it sounds like you had quite a productive and worthwhile experience. I am also interested to see the future of technology in the classroom. I have not worked with SMART boards yet in any of my classrooms, but they do seem like they would be a beneficial addition to any classroom. Good luck with field this week!
Comment by ahargleroad09 — February 25, 2008 @ 4:55 am