Horizon+Report+Reflection-+The+Model+Classroom

The Model Classroom The model classroom would be set up for 21st century learners. It would be sustainable for 5-7 years. According to the video, Classroom Of The Future HD: What's New in Educational Tech?, it would be set up with tables instead of the wooden desks, comfortable rolling chairs, and several screens for easy visibility and plenty of workspace for the collaboration of students. The model classroom would include a set of laptop computers for students with Wi-Fi capability. The rooms will be set in a “collaborative environment”. This is important for students and for future careers for our students. These include but are not limited to shared documents, calendars, music, virtual worlds and forums. Collaborative environments can be beneficial for any subject and any grade. Our students need to work together now so that they will be prepared in the future. The model classroom should be set up with online collaboration tools. Instant messaging and online chats along with video conferencing are essential for the model classroom. Programs such as Skype allow students to videoconference for free. Students can meet people they would have never met via video conferencing. They can travel to places that they would have never traveled before with video conferencing. The benefits and possibilities are limitless. Mobiles like small handheld portable computers, or small phone type handhelds with different applications, or clickers should be present for student enrichment and information along with teacher observations of their own teaching. Small Palm Pilot type computers can be used with microphones or cameras in the classroom. Clickers can be used for quizzes, polling, student feedback, class discussions, and student demographic data. Many teachers have found that mobile devices are very motivating and students enjoy using them on tests and during lecture because it keeps them more aware and encourages them to listen better in class. Cloud Computing would also be present in a model classroom. This is a large group of networked computers so that we are prepared to house lots of information and large processing can be utilized. Cloud based apps can be low cost tools for students and teachers. “Cloud Computing tools help us work, learn communicate and collaborate.” (Johnson, et al. 2009). Smart objects should also be present. These objects help tag information and allow students to make things their own without having to do all the legwork. Smart objects can be found in libraries and are what librarians to check books in and out. They can track weather conditions and student information. Smart boards should be found in the model classroom as well. These are the most prevalent technology tool found in my school district along side with the projector. It is a large board that is technology interactive. Students love the smart board because it is easily visible and fun to have for hands on activities. No 2nd grader would ever pass up a chance to play with a smart board. Personal Web should also be found in a model 21st century classroom. Students need the chance and ability to search the internet for valuable information. Many uses come from the internet. More and more people are using the internet for school use and personal use. The only pitfall of web use is the strict policies school districts have. Information sometimes is not a great thing to have at your fingertips if it is the wrong information. Students cannot be let loose on the internet without strict policies, guidelines and specific boundaries.

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__Teaching with Student Response System Technology: A Survey of K-12 Teachers__ Boscardin, C.K., Crawford, V., DeBarger, A., Masyn, K., Penuel, W., & Urdan, T. (nd). Teaching with student response system technology: A survey of k-12 teachers. //National Science Foundation//. Retrieved on November 17, 2009, from: []

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__What Is the Sustainable Classroom?__ Tschirgi, D. (nd). What is the sustainable classroom? //Educational Technology Support Center//. Retrieved on November 17, 2009, from []

Johnson, L., Levine, A., Smith, R., and Smythe, T. (2009). //The 2009 Horizon Report: K-12Edition.// Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

__Classroom Of The Future HD: What's New in Educational Tech?__ Retrieved on February 7, 2010, from [].