Using Technology To Enhance the Classroom Environment.

Abstract

Much is being written about the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. However, much of the focus is on distance learning. This article deals with another aspect of this topic, namely, the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in a classroom environment. While my experience stems from teaching mathematics at the undergraduate level, the approaches described can be utilized in the teaching of other subjects as well. Classroom Setups The most basic classroom setup, which allows instructors to use technology as part of their teaching, is one in which there is a computer, a network connection (either wired or wireless) and a projection system. This allows instructors to perform demonstrations, present material, illustrate how to use software, show Web sites, etc. However, this setup has an inherent disadvantage, that is, each instructor must come into the classroom in advance and spend time setting up the machine. Since different instructors usually have different needs, it is quite possible that these needs conflict, and it will be necessary for an instructor to set up the machine before each use, which is time-consuming and tedious. A better setup is one in which instructors can bring their own laptop to the classroom and connect to the network and a projection system. This way everything that the instructor wants to do with the laptop can be prepared in advance. Also, it isn't necessary to reset the equipment after each use, which is a great time-saver. It is best if such classrooms have a lectern near the network on which instructors can place their laptops as well as other materials, such as notes, textbooks or a projection system. Unfortunately, there is little student participation in both of the setups described above. To have real participation and interaction, students need to have computers with network and power connections they can use in the classroom. At one time this meant a lab with PCs. However, PCs are big and tend to get in the way. A better setup is one in which the students have laptops they bring to and use in class. And as wireless technology improves, it is becoming increasingly clear that such Internet connections are the most cost-effective and allow for the most flexibility. For example, in a wireless classroom that uses laptops, instructors can reconfigure seating arrangements as desired by simply moving the students' tables. There are also other technological resources that an instructor might want to have available, such as an overhead projector, a VCR, a document camera, software that allows instructors to monitor students' laptops, etc. Utilizing Your Resources Having a technological setup in a classroom is just the beginning. The real question is what does an instructor do with all of these resources? There are many answers. All are very much a function of the material that instructors are presenting and what they want to accomplish. Here are just a few uses drawn from my own experiences teaching in such environments: Lecture Notes. The simplest use is to present notes the instructor has prepared. Lecture notes should also be made available to students either as handouts or downloads from the instructor's Web site. Of course, instructors can do this with slides and an overhead projector, but it is usually easier when done with a computer. My experience has been that this approach is most effective when dealing with a topic that requires the presentation of a large number of formulas. Though, a word of caution is appropriate here. Instructors can easily cover a great deal of material using this method of presentation. But there is a tendency to present more material than the students can absorb, so instructors must keep this in mind. Also, while students may be satisfied with this mode of teaching when it is done occasionally, they tend to dislike it if it is done too often. Software Demonstrations. …