Visitation

Over Fall Study Break, I had the opportunity to observe a history teacher at a private alternative school for the gifted. Due to its stellar academic reputation and commitment to innovative approaches to learning, I had anticipated a significant presence of technology. I was shocked, therefore, to observe only hints of technology in the classroom. In fact, I observed less technology than I’ve seen at my placement, which I felt was even less than what I’ve heard from some of my peers experiencing at their placements. Granted, I did not have the time to talk with the media specialist or administration concerning technology use, but I did walk around the whole school, saw inside various classrooms, and saw the media center. One of the challenges facing this school would be its small size, with roughly fifty students to a grade.

They do, however, have three computer labs with an average of 15 computers in each, and wireless capability throughout the school. Students can take the following computer classes, however, none of them are required for graduation. The courses are: Digital Photography using Adobe Photoshop; Advanced Digital Photography; Web-Site Development; Computer Aided Design; Digital Portfolio, published on a CD-ROM or DVD; and Digital Video Editing using Adobe Premiere.

The classrooms are equipped with chalkboards, whiteboards, and two computers. They do not have smartboards, but there were projectors. It would’ve been nice to see what they do with students in the computer lab, since the majority of the students have math and science skills three grade levels above where they are in school. The classes average only 7-15 students, which creates a nice cooperative learning environment. I’m slightly jealous of the possibilities working with a small class compared to my classes of 35-40 students each.