The 21stCenturyClassroom& Multi-touch Technology

A LITTLEHISTORY

Not long before the turn of century, educational

technology was in its infancy, and classrooms did not

look much different than those of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Although a few computers could be found in a

classroom, much of the day-to-day instruction was

guided by a textbook-centered curriculum.

The introduction of the Internet and cable television to

classrooms opened up new possibilities. In most cases,

students interacted with educational technology in

their school’s computer lab. Educational technology

was seen as an “extra” and was not considered to be an

important part of day-to-day teaching and learning

activities.

WHAT ABOUT THETEXTBOOKS?In today’s forward-looking classrooms, students spend very little time sitting passively listening to teacher-directed lectures,

reading chapters in textbooks, and completing individual worksheets. Textbooks are still around, but might not be here to stay.

Arne Duncan, the U.S. Department of Education Secretary, in his recent address to the National Parent-Teacher-Association,

brought up the fact that $7 billion to $9 billion is spent in the U.S. on textbooks, which are outdated quickly. In contrast, much of

this money could be spent more wisely if focused on educational software and systems and improving technology infrastructure

in schools and communities, consistent with the framework developed by the U.S. Department of Educational Technology.

In the US, most states have adopted the Common Core Curriculum standards as a means to prepare students for the future. In

some states, this mission has moved one step further through the adoption of the 21st Century Framework, a philosophy that

promotes effective technology integration within schools and classrooms to support the Common Core standards 21st Century

goals and objectives.

Opportunities for active and collaborative learning

An environment that is inviting and well-organized

Learning activities that are student-centric and adapted to learning needs and

preferences

Student progress is monitored through multiple pathways

Technology supports the teaching-learning environment

Technology and instruction work together, supporting teachers and students

SO WHAT ARE SOME KEYCOMPONENTS OF THE 21ST CENTURYCLASSROOM?

Instructional activities support the “Four C”s”

- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

- Communication

- Collaboration

- Creativity and Innovation.

In the U.S., most states have adopted the Common Core curriculum standards to ensure

that teachers are providing students with educational activities that will prepare them for

the future, consistent with the philosophy behind the 21st Century learning. Many of the

resources for moving teachers and school districts forward rely on the effective integration

of technology in the classroom.

Technologies that support 21stCentury learning and teachingTake a look at a technology-enhanced classroom and you’ll find laptops, iPads, or tablets, along with a few touch-screen

computers. Students use different technologies throughout the day.

In many of today’s classrooms, teachers use large interactive whiteboards or displays to introduce and demonstrate new

concepts, often with the help of students. Students often use smaller displays, tablets, laptops, or even mobile devices as they

work with their project teams through project-based learning activities that extend for several weeks. At the end of the project,

use the larger interactive display to share what they’ve learned, and at the same time, practice their communication and

presentation skills.

In classrooms that make effective use of technology, the technology works seamlessly to support learning and teaching in

various ways throughout the day. This is made possible because forward-looking school districts have taken steps to improve

things behind the scenes, such as increasing network and Internet capability and making good choices regarding the purchase

of hardware and software.

Time for a change:Multi-touch collaborativeeducational technology

Key considerations

In many classrooms, interactive whiteboards were purchased years ago, and only support

single-touch interaction. Because the whiteboards require projectors, they must be used

when the classroom lights are dim, limiting the types of learning activities the teacher can

supervise while the whiteboard is in use. When the time comes to make a change, some

schools have found that a move to a large high-definition multi-touch display is a good one.

The lights can be on, more than one student can interact with the display, and the teacher

can better integrate the use of the display into collaborative group activities.

http://www.nuiteq.com/blog

Learn more about multi-touchtechnology in the classroom at:

thank you.For more information, please visitwww.nuiteq.com