21st Century Classroom

The bell rings as the students in the 21st century walk into their classroom. Upon entering the students quickly engage in an interactive lesson. The room is neatly decorated and supplied with the latest technology including an Activboard and a classroom supply of wireless laptops that are equipped with an abundance of educational software.

During reading time students are reading and listening to books on the computer, interacting with online phonics programs such as Headsprouts, and using personal recording devices to read into and record thoughts, reflections, and questions. The chattering of students working together fills the room yet all students are on tasks.

After lunch the students begin their math period working on computation fluency. On laptops students use the computer software Math Facts in a Flash to practice and test their skills. The rest of the math lesson consists of students working on a variety of problem solving tasks using money. Some kids are working on the computer; others are working with a small group using real money. Each activity has been carefully organized by the teacher to meet the needs and interests of her students. Again the room is filled with the noise of students working together.

While reading and math are still considered essential subjects, social studies has become a more important subject. Throughout the year, students study global awareness issues. In addition, students are using online software to learn a foreign language.

Throughout the day the teacher walks around assisting students as needed and taking anecdotal notes on her PDA. At the end of the day, after the bell has rung and students are dismissed, the teacher makes sure all the laptops are plugged in and charging for the next day. She uploads and organizes the notes from her PDA. She uses these notes to continue to foster a learning environment of learning and thinking skills such as: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, creativity and innovation, collaboration, information and media literacy skills, and contextual learning skills.

Cell Phones in the Classroom?

In this day and age you would almost expect all schools and districts to have clear guidelines surrounding the use of personal devices such as cell phones, ipods, etc. in the classroom. While I am sure these policies exist somewhere, I could not find any information posted on my district or school websites nor do I remember having any conversations around this issue as a staff. However, I can assume that most cell phone policies would limit cell phone use to before and after school only. During school hours cell phones would be required to be turned off and would need to remain in student’s backpacks.
As a first grade teacher I agree with this policy or am impartial. I am sure some of my students have cell phones but not all. Honestly I have yet to see one of my students with a cell phone or even hear them talk about them. This tells me they aren’t feeling too deprived by this ban on technology. Even for my district as a whole K-12, I think this policy is appropriate for now until the district can provide funding for cell phone use in the classrooms and/or teachers are more educated on the educational uses and benefits of cell phones. Once all this happens I think the policy will need to be changed. It will need to be crystal clear so the learning environment is protected and so the expectations and consequences are known to students.