Digital Classrooms

My second assignment was based upon the benefits and potential challenges of introducing Digital Classrooms into New Zealand schools. I chose to study this topic for the second assignment because I was inspired by the enthusiasm one of my fellow teaching colleague's. She continually raves about the teaching possibilities and enthusiasm of the students who are exposed to digital classrooms. Through this contact I was fortunate enough to speak to a Principal at a Hamilton school who has so far integrated two digital classrooms at each year level from Year Four to Year Six.

Roberts (2007) identifies Digital Classrooms as learning environments with :
* Networked computers ( 7-28 per class)
* Broadband Internet Connection
* Digital Cameras
*Interactive Whiteboards or a Screen and Projector
*Scanner


A digital classroom is an environment where students choose which activity they want to do and which process will help them learn best. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning. Computers, cameras, tripods, scanners, videos, drawing tablets, Internet and email need to be as readily available as crayons, pencils and paper.

"Digital Classroom" tends to be a term mainly used in New Zealand. They are also commonly referred to as "Wired Classrooms". General research and literature about Digital Classrooms and their effect on student achievement are surprisingly limited.

I believe Digital Classrooms could provide exciting learning opportunities for today's 'Digital Natives'. I would love to have the opportunity to teach in one. However, I believe they would be most beneficial to use from Year Four onwards.

Using New Technologies for Learning: A Case Study of a Whole School Approach

In general schools now expect teachers to use new technologies to cater for their students' learning. This was a very interesting read, I enjoyed reading about the study from start to finish and learnt a lot along the way!

The high school involved in the study saw the implementation of new technologies into the classrooms as a way to change teaching and learning into a more "constructive-orientated approach". 2-6 computers were placed in each classroom, as well as access to scanners, digital cameras and printers.

A constructivist approach to teaching and learning from what I can gather from the readings, is a student-centred approach. Where the student creates meaning through their own research and exploration - like Inquiry learning.

By having the new technologies teachers changed their teaching approach. The results...
* Improved student motivation
* Engagement in their learning
* Making an added effort in their school work.

General findings of case study:
Enhanced student learning due to the different teaching styles derived from the use of new technologies in the classroom.

The article concludes by reinforcing the fact that teaching and learning should be driven by curriculum goals and supported by new technologies.

Oversold and Underused - Cuban, L.

This article states that....
*There is no clear evidence that computer use improves learning.
* Teachers are not using computers to full potential.
* Providing more computers to schools will not automatically result in the advancement of computer practices by teachers and students.

For the promotion and advancement of computers in schools Cuban believes there needs to be:
* Technological support for teachers.
* Professional development which is on-going
* Software needs to be suitable for an educational setting.

He states that no matter how much funding is invested, it will only begin to be successful if major changes take place in general attitudes and practices. Cuban believes that the money invested in the last decade in computer technology in schools has not proved to be overly worthwhile.

I-Learning and e-Learning: Embracing complexity

This article discusses the need to use computer technologies to make life simpler and more ordered. This style of teaching and learning builds on the students prior knowledge (constructivism). Learning is based upon real life experiences and problems, encouraging higher-order thinking skills.

The downfalls:
Extra demands placed upon teachers and students in relation to the time and knowledge required.

Classroom Dynamics in a Technology-Rich Environment.

I enjoyed this reading as I am interested in learning more about the effects of students' learning in Digital Classroom learning environments. The findings certainly seemed promising for increased student engagement and motivation within the classroom.

* Students could investigate topics they found interesting.
* Small groups could work together cooperatively.
* The students were so involved in their learning, researching, investigating it allowed the teacher more time to move around the classroom, catering for differentiated learning.
*The learning environment allowed the teachers to become a "facilitator" of learning. The teachers in many situations were learning alongside the students. Teachers are becoming good role models by demonstrating to their students that learning should be a life long process.

Comments by teachers:

"My students were more cooperative working on computers than in past group activities"
"Students were engrossed in their learning"
"Individual instruction was fostered by the technology-rich environment"

All teachers reported that this learning environment created a "student-centred learning atmosphere".

Teachers believed that there was an academic improvement in the scores from the results the students recieved last year on the same topic, without the use of technology.

Teachers believed this learning environment was more effective because:
* The skills the students needed to use promoted higher-order thinking.
* The set projects were able to cater for individual learning needs - Not a "one size fits all approach to learning".
* Student co-operation and collaboration improved, resulting in students improvement as problem solvers.

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

I really enjoyed this reading, most of what was said is common sense but sometimes it is helpful to read views such as these to keep your own teaching in check! I often remind myself of the importance of 'keeping up with the times' and not making excuses about teaching approaches.

I agree that teaching styles need to evolve in order to meet the needs of the students. Perhaps being a digital immigrant is not such a bad thing, at least we have come to the understanding that we need to be 'life long learners' in order to be effective educators.

It was also refreshing to be reminded that we are on a journey with our students, we are not expected to know all the answers, we just need to be open to new approaches and viewpoints.

What is NET?

"Using modern, up-to-date technology and devices to help promote effective teaching and learning"

The main point here is that it is about learning.

NET, ICT, E-Learning - Same things