ICT - Networking and Communications
software or content does not match the user’s specific needs. Tablets such as the iPad or those running Android have access to millions of apps, but only a certain number will be suitable and relevant for the classroom. While more content is constantly being developed, research what content and provider best suits the requirements before investing a significant chunk of the school budget.
While most discussion is around the use for the technology for students, another important point to consider are the potential benefits for teachers; this can be key to getting the most out of classroom technology.
Making the most of technology A whole new raft of applications and software are being developed directly for the educator. Devices can increasingly act like a mobile interactive whiteboard when designed, or with the right software installed, opening up a new world of content and options for teaching and learning. Here are some ideas of how it can help transform lessons: • Controlling the lesson - With the right software, teachers can deliver lessons and annotate content from their hand-held device, allowing remote access of the computer from anywhere in the room. This gives the freedom to move around the room and monitor the work being done without having to constantly return to the front to move the lesson forward.
• Encouraging student input - When students are sitting at desks, encouraging children to come to the front can be potentially disruptive to learning and many will be shy to do so.
Trend Controls plugs BEMS knowledge gap with flexible e-learning courses T
Passing a device round the room allows all students to have input into the lesson easily and with confidence, saving time and maintaining the flow of the lesson. A smaller number of devices can be used for student group work to encourage collaborative learning skills in a smooth and organised way.
• Use in any classroom - Portable hand-held devices mean that teachers can move and use technology easily in any room of the school, cutting out the reliance on the slow rebooting of PCs and laptops. This can also be an advantage when budgets are tight; a fixed interactive whiteboard in each room for example could be too expensive, but a mobile interactive whiteboard or two could be shared between the rooms and teachers.
• Monitoring and assessment - With students progressing at different paces, some may struggle to understand. In this case, the teacher can sit with them, explaining it personally using the portable device or asking the student to demonstrate from their seat to get a better understanding of progress. The ability to store a record of this in notes can help when providing feedback.
If schools ensure that investments in portable classroom technology are financially sound and beneficial to the educative process for both staff and students, it can be a powerful tool for transforming education today.
u+33 (0) 1.58.31.10.72
uwww.ltordeux@
einstruction.com
Technology enhancing collaboration
rend Controls has developed a suite of e-learning courses that complements its face-to-face and on-site education programmes. Course subjects currently available include Natural Ventilation, 963 Operator Overview, XNC3 Drivers, Ethernet Awareness, IQ Eye Data Interpretation and a BACnet Overview; these will be joined by courses for its latest products including the IQView8 touch screen display. The courses are designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of abilities from those with no technical knowledge up to people on the Trend Expert scheme for individual engineers working within approved systems integrators. Trend can configure a unique e-learning framework that can be blended with classroom based teaching where necessary and scheduled around personal and professional work commitments with the option to select learning materials that meet an individual’s level of knowledge and interest. Lessons and materials are regularly updated and information can be retrieved when required.
u01403 226 230
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www.education-today.co.uk May 2012
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