Technology Transformed Learning Environments

As I read David Warlick's "Technology Transformed Learning Environments" I took notice of the statement, "The achievement of one to one (computer to student) learning environments is now close to being a universal desire." I thoroughly agree with Mr. Warlick, but also wonder, who wouldn't want this to be a reality. It is extremely difficult to find a job/profession that doesn't require basic computer/technology awareness, yet there are many schools that don't have adequate technology available for their students. Something is wrong with that picture.

I've made many comments about the difficulty of breaking through the fire wall at my school, it is literally like me jumping through a wall of fire, especially this week. My school has a computer lab and several laptop labs and desktops in every classroom. Physical availability of a computer is not the problem. I couldn't access googleearth from school this week, I used to be able to, but now I (we) can't. Again, this class has brought some great tools to my awareness, however, I have no where to use them with my students.

My school does not have Smartboard Technology, we do have a tool called a mimio. Mimio allows any white board to become interactive. Lessons and discussions can be created and saved in the mimio notebook. Mimio use is very motivating for our students and I feel our school has done well in professional development planning for mimio and implementation of mimio use. We have had workshops available, on site training, and one teacher is being fully trained by mimio to be a trainer. As I think of Mr. Warlick's five suggestions of what a learning experience looks like involving mimio use, I think it is a step in the right direction.

Mimio lesson/websites that are interactive can be created/found based on interests and questions that students have. Mimio uses both a stylus to select items/write on the board and a notepad that can be passed around in class. The actions/additions given during discussion in a mimio lesson, provoke conversations. Mimio use is responsive to the learners actions. Lesson are created and followed through by selections made by students and can be created by students as well. If a mimio lesson were to compel a personal investment it would be a new skill taught. I often use mimio activities to introduce new concepts in math. Students are motivated to try on their own with mimio versus the whiteboard. Mimio lessons are correctable and are taught in a safe environment. It's OK to make mistakes and try something else.

Use mimio lessons to teach rather than lecture involves hands on learning which is important for all students. Students will generalize the activity and use what they have learned.