The computer lab is dead, as it should be!
I am very fortunate. I am an assistant principal at a brand new school. Being a new school, our infrastructure was built for technology. We have wireless internet access throughout the building. Every classroom has an Interactive White Board. We have two Dell mobile laptop labs that can be checked out by teachers, rolled into a classroom, and used by students. We have 32 iPod Touches that are to be used by students. There are six class-sets of student response systems, two of which allow for students to text answers to the teachers. Class-sets of digital cameras are available for student use. 25 Flip video cameras can be checked out by teachers for students to use. We also have at least two computers in each classroom.
Our students have access to technology. I am happy to say, that our teachers use technology during their lessons on a daily basis. Generally this is through the use of the interactive whiteboard (IAW). Our teachers have embraced this piece of technology. The IAW’s have moved from a teacher controlled educational tool for sharing information, to a student accessed, student used instrument for deepening understanding of key concepts. We are very proud of the way the IAW’s are used on our campus.
The mobile computer labs are used on a daily basis. Students constantly create presentations using the laptops. Typically in powerpoint, but lately we have seen students using Prezi, xtranormal, and Animoto. The use of these websites is another testament to the willingness of our teachers to embrace new technology. Each teacher may not fully understand how to use these websites, but they are willing to allow students to explore and create.
The iPods are the newest addition to our technology arsenal. These have been used by just two teachers thus far. This was done on purpose. We are building leadership capacity with these teachers. They will be expected to present several staff development sessions on using the iPods during the upcoming school year. These teachers were chosen due to their ability to implement new technology in the classroom. So far, students have used face time to debate students in another classroom, read articles and books, and take pictures to put into a presentation. The iPods have the ability to excite and engage our kids every time we use them.
The student response systems have allowed data to be collected in real time. Using these response systems teachers know immediately if a concept needs to be re-taught or if the class can move forward. These systems also allow teachers to see specific students that are struggling right then and issues can be addressed as they happen, not after the issue has been compounded over the course of multiple class periods.
Students have used the digital cameras and the Flip video cameras to create projects and film lessons. The use of these tools has moved us past students being worksheeted to death. Our kids love the opportunity to create projects with cameras and the products can be amazing.
Classroom computers are used for a variety of things. Students take quizzes, review lessons, and access approved media. Teachers, of course, use the computers for planning, data disaggregation, information presentation, and communication. The students’ using the computers during class is still viewed as something extra. If a child has time at the end of a lesson, before school, or after school then they can be found working on a computer. Student usage of computers is not where it should be.
And oh yeah…we have computer labs. Our campus has four computer labs stocked with 30 computers. On a typical day, the computers are turned on at 8:10 and turned off at 4:00. The rest of the day, the labs are empty. They are rarely used. Teachers will use the computer labs if the mobile labs are unavailable, but only then. Obviously, it is not that our teachers haven’t embraced technology. They have. Students use technology on a daily basis. But our teachers have to be bribed or forced into taking kids to the computer labs.
I believe the lack of use is caused by logistics, not resistance. Teachers do not want to take the time to give instructions in the classroom, move the students to the computer lab, get all the computers up and running, then shut it all down before they leave. Teachers do not want to give up the instructional time.
I recently watched a TED talk from Sugota Mitra. Copy and paste the following URL into your browser to view the talk:
At the end of the talk Dr. Mitra discusses something called a Self-Organizing Learning Environment (SOLE). These SOLE’s are a computer, on a table with a bench instead of a chair (I am over-simplifying here; there is a great deal of research and data behind the information). The bench seats four or five students and allows a physical space for kids to collaborate while working on a computer. In Dr. Mitra’s talk he discusses using these SOLE’s as an alternative to having a teacher. I am not advocating that we go that far. I am advocating the dismantling of existing computer labs and create four to five SOLE’s in every classroom.
The creation of classroom SOLE’s (of course the name would have to be changed, because if the teacher organized the groups they would no longer be self-organizing) would remove several of the logistical issues teachers have with moving students to the computer labs. I also believe that forcing kids to work in groups would cause them to talk about the information, thus deepening their own understanding of the material. Additionally, having a small computer lab in every classroom would encourage the teachers to incorporate the computers into the daily lessons more often. It is one thing when all the computers are down the hall in another room; it is something else when they are staring at you on a daily basis.
The release of learning to students in a 21st century way has to be one of the goals of a modern school. Equitable access to technology and developing technological literacy must be a cornerstone for all subject areas if our students are going to compete in the global economy.
How does your campus or district use computer labs? How do you ensure that students get opportunities to access technology? Where is your campus in comparison to mine with technology and its use? Am I insane?
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