Activating Learning in Every Classroom

Media and Methods, Jan/Feb 2006

In 2001, the Thomaston-Upson County School District Technology Department initiated a plan to research new and exciting tools to assist teachers. The administration recognized the importance of improving traditional methods of teaching to have more impact on student learning. Their research led them to install the Promethean Collaborative Classroom System in every classroom. It included: the ACTIVboard with ACTIVstudio lesson development software; the ACTIVslate for student participation; and the integrated ACTIVote wireless handhelds for whole group student feedback.

"We were immediately convinced that this solution allowed for true curriculum integration," said Dr. Howard Hendley, superintendent of Thomaston-Upson County Schools. "This solution has proved to be a perfect marriage with our district initiatives and goals." Hendley believes it gets better and more effective as teachers and students get involved with the various components.

"While I have watched many technology initiatives come and go over the years, the Promethean system is the most seamless method of technology integration we have ever seen," said Mike Gatlin, Director of Technology and Federal Programs. "It has provided the truest integration between existing equipment, teacher usage, and student acceptance. It simply allows teachers to do what they do best . . . teach."

Results of a Technology Initiative

Many believe the excitement created by this new technology has changed the climate of the schools within the ThomastonUpson County School District. Julie English, elementary teacher, says her initial reaction when she was told about this was, "What else do I have to do now?" But by the second day of staff development, that all changed. "Even by the end of the first day of training, the teachers were running back to their rooms to see if their ACTIVboards were connected so they could start working."

"It has ignited our imaginations," said Hendley. "When we walk the halls, we see a noticeable difference in the activity level and energy in classrooms. Teachers are standing up and facilitating information in new ways. Students are moving back and forth from the interactive whiteboard to their desks, or interacting from their desks using the wireless peripherals. We hear more of a dialog between students and teachers, and see that students are more involved and motivated to learn."

Dr. Marguerite Jones, Principal of Upson Lee South Elementary School added, "Students love the multimedia features and interactivity. These make learning more fun and even exciting. Teachers report that students pay closer attention and have become more involved in class. Even parents are talking about the system because their children come home from school talking about it."

Contributed by Promethean, makers of the Collaborative Classroom System (www.prometheanworld.com)