Using the technology
Both the projectors and the LCDs are now being used to enhance the learning experience in the classrooms, as they allow teachers to easily view websites, presentations and videos related to their lectures and the students’ assignments. Wereley believes the students take great pride in the fact their small school won the top prize in the contest.
“Our students have appreciated that we, as their teachers, are able to access relevant, current and interesting material from the Internet without having to fight for a projector from the library,” he says. “When talking about poetry and music, for example, I can immediately access relevant artists’ videos uploaded on YouTube. The students can then discuss an artist’s use of poetic devices heard through a song. In these ways, the projectors enable me to enhance my students’ learning and encourage their interest in a particular lesson with relatable material.”
In classrooms and the computer lab, smaller LCDs are freeing up desktop space.
In another example, Darren Seibel developed an animation course for the school based on the new technology in the computer lab. After he teaches this class, the work his students create is displayed on the large LCD.
Elsewhere, Seibel has used a tablet personal computer (PS) in conjunction with the new projectors to display math concepts and move geometric objects around during a class to help students understand their coursework.
“This technology has engaged our students and provided a more up-to-date method of teaching,” says Phil Arkinstall, another teacher at the school. “Like Mark, I have used a projector to enhance lessons by integrating video clips from the Internet into my plans. My students are more interested during the day and, therefore, are gaining more knowledge.”
Wereley says the students appreciate the greater variety of ways their teachers can now present information to them. In fact, the changes have led to stronger participation in class and improved grades.
They also set the stage for the further adoption of multimedia technologies.
“In the near future, I’d like to try accessing a live or recorded lecture on a topic of interest to my students,” Wereley says, “or perhaps hold a video conference with another classroom from a different school or even in a different country, to gain perspective in each lesson.”
Katie Allodi is a marketing specialist for NEC Display Solutions. For more information, visit www.necdisplay.com.
