Christin Williams
Education 650
Standard Activity 4.19D
Learning Technology
In today’s world, utilizing learning technology is of the upmost importance.
Implementing technology in the classroom and allowing students to become comfortable with its
many advantages will help to prepare them for the future. In taking a closer look into technology
use in East Bank Middle School, we can strive to create a better, more effective ways to integrate
21st Century learning skills into everyday life in the school.
At EBMS, as well as all other middle and high schools in Kanawha County, our
technology for students is 1:1 with Apple iPads. Teachers are also supplied with an iPad and
MacBook to use for their classroom. Each classroom is also equipped with an AppleTV and we
are, slowly, moving away from the use of SmartBoard to LED TV’s in classrooms.
Below is a current list of technology inventory at East Bank Middle School, after taking
this into consideration, I had discussions with teachers and students concerning technology and
its use in the building.
Current Technology Inventory
Technology Amount
AppleTVs 30
65 inch Samsung LED TVs (Classrooms) 5
32 inch Samsung TVs 45
Other TVs (Throughout Building) 6
SmartBoards 30
Teacher MacBooks 30
Teacher iPads 30
Student iPads (given to students & loaner) 450
Charging Stations 30
Charging Banks 30
Charging Cords 60
Teacher Printers 30
6th Grade Computer Lab – Desktops 30
7th Grade Computer Lab – Desktops 30
8th Grade Computer Lab – Desktops 30
Spanish Classroom Desktop Computers 16
BD Classroom Desktop Computers 6
Read 180 Classroom Desktop Computers 6
Mobile Computer Labs – Think Pads 6 Labs with 25 laptops each
Other Computers (Office, Cafeteria, Etc.) 15
Riso Graphs 3
Copy Machines 3
Fax Machine 1
Sound Systems 1 Auditorium /1 Gym / 1 Football Field /
1 Baseball Field
Score Boards 1 Football Field/1 Baseball Field/ 2 Gym
Security System/Cameras 1 System – updated 2018 / 42 Cameras
Intercom System 1
Telephones 8
Laminator 1 – Purchased 2018
Cannon Image ProGraph 1 – Purchased 2018
When I discussed technology use with students, there were many mixed reviews. Some
students felt that that they should have more freedom when it comes to the iPads and how they
are used, some students feel the iPads should be used more in classes, some students feel they are
used on too much in classes. Students often mentioned that the iPads were not as good as they
could be due to not having access to things such as the App Store so that they can download apps
they feel will benefit them, as well as have fun with. In contrast, students appreciated the fact
that they now have access to the internet at their fingertips (other than cellphones) to do school
work, which has made some things “easier” for them.
When I was able to discuss technology usage with teachers in the building, the first thing
that was mentioned was in relation to student iPads. The biggest concern was students either not
having their iPads charged or not bringing their iPads to class at all. Teachers felt that they are
always told to utilize technology in their classrooms, however, it becomes difficult when in a
class of 30, 10 or so students do not have their iPads ready to use. From my understanding this is
a problem in every classroom. Teachers combat this issue by having students partner up, do an
alternative assignment, alter their lesson, or make alternative arrangements for the student(s) all
together. This tends to cause interruptions in student engagement.
The teachers I spoke with also discussed how they use a variety of different apps and
websites in their classrooms to promote student engagement and productivity. The Math and
Basic Skills classes use Think Through Math, where they are required to meet a certain number
of minutes weekly on the program, as well as having to use the math textbook online through
Pierson. Students take quizzes, do interactive lessons, and can even have video help all on the
program, which seems extremely helpful. EBMS was also one of the first schools in Kanawha
County to implement the Math180 program in which half of the class is based on online
instruction in order to boost math proficiency.
EBMS was also provided with PRO subscriptions to Newsela.com this year. This is a site
where teachers can select articles in just about any topic and assign them to students. Teachers
can then, also through the site, assign quizzes, writing assignments, and other tasks for students
to complete. A great thing about this site is that the Lexile level can be adapted to fit student
needs on each article, which can be extremely helpful in helping students achieve higher reading
levels and better reading comprehension at their own pace.
Teachers and students alike, do say that they appreciate the access they have to
technology and when everyone is prepared, as well as the technology (Wi-Fi) is fully functioning
it is amazing what they can do in classrooms now, compared to ten years ago. While I am not
certain on how to combat the major issue of students having their iPads ready to use for class, I
do think it is wonderful that teachers are prepared with alternative assignments and/or quickly
make adjustments for these students. If funds are available, I would look into providing
classroom teachers with more charging stations and power cords for the student iPads so that
students could charge them while in class. I would also take with other teachers and
administration to determine if there was a possibility of including a system of some sort for
students who come to class prepared as opposed to students who do not come to class prepared.
The system that may already be in place seems to need to have adjustments made. I do think it is
great that teachers and students seem exceedingly willing to integrate technology in their
classrooms and appear to be working toward promoting all students achieving their learning
goals.
