September 2005 — Applications
Print this article | Email this articleClick here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal
Interactive Learning Environment Keeps Modesto Students Engaged
After first-semester final exams, the science and math students scored an average of four to six percentage points higher on test scores. The teachers attribute that increase, in part, to CPS. Otherwise, the evidence is mostly anecdotal but compelling. When visiting a class where the CPS is being used, there’s no question that it helps the teacher engage students. Students clearly have fun answering questions; in the process, they test their knowledge and see which areas they understand and those that they have yet to grasp.
The interactivity of the CPS also encourages all students to participate, because only the teacher knows who is controlling which answer pad. This high level of involvement creates teachable moments. The students’ answers instantly alert the teacher if the class or individuals are having trouble with a concept. When students are punching the buttons, the instructor can see who is hesitating and who is changing his response. Teachers can even see when students don’t get the concept, and can stop and explain it to them. In addition, teachers can measure comprehension at any given moment, and either move on or spend a little more time on a lesson, which helps improve teaching and student performance.
When it comes to testing, CPS has really changed our methodology. Teachers can make a PowerPoint presentation and pause to ask questions along the way, or they can use paper tests and have students answer using their remotes. Either way, the results automatically store in the CPS gradebook.
Investing in Student Learning
I’m passionate about developing the life skills our students will need on a daily basis and in their future. In their careers, they will work in teams, do problem solving, interpret results, and use technology. We have also been teaching teachers to integrate technology into the classroom to get them away from stereotypical chairs-in-a-row, rote memorization, and hand raising. We’re striving to make technology seamless in the teaching process so that it’s just as natural for students to interact with technology as it is for them to use a pen or pencil.
Next year, we’ll buy about 20 more systems for eighth-grade science and math, and we’ll probably expand use throughout the school. This technology has made testing exciting for students and teachers. With the CPS in the classroom, students actually come into class eagerly asking, “Are we having a quiz today?” And teachers say their colleagues are begging to use CPS. Ask any one of our teachers and they’ll tell you that CPS was the best investment we could have made in technology for junior high math and science.
Larry Hines is director of instructional technology for the Modesto City Schools. E-mail: Hines.l@monet.k12.ca.us.
Cite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
