Clarence Fisher- Ratios and Teacher Training…Chicken or the Egg?
Clarence Fisher’s presentation raised some thoughts as I continue to explore the variables that affect the validity of technology for students in the classroom. One variable is ratio as demonstrated by Clarence has in his room…an ideal 1:1. Every class in our system has 4 sun terminals in the room and a school lab. I have managed a 1:1 ratio in my behavioural program..I have 8 terminals (hey, when they give you two hubs you use them….) How important is ratio (school access) for our students?
Smartboards are an example where collaboration and potential for effective use is demonstrated at a 1:20 (more or less), yet this technology, I admit, allows for multiple students to work on one board. Yet the ratio is not 1:1, and I would argue that proper use of this technology, as demonstrated by both students in this class and some of our presenters(Darren Kuropatwa), is really the key to engaging students.
So, those students that have the chance to go home and use their personal technology to access school resources benefiting at a greater degree than those who cannot afford these technologies? If so, how do we address this?
Collaboration, access, teacher knowledge of technology have been important topics in this room. Clarence has shown how excellence in these areas have developed positive, engaging experiences for his students. I think, as Alec has mentioned, more research is needed in regards to the topic of ratio. Chicken or the egg scenario— do we encourage boards to pour money into reaching that 1:1 ratio that would then “prod” teachers to incorporate these technologies in the classroom, or expose teachers to effective uses of educational technologies (and proper inservice) that would then result in boards allocating more money into increased access? Both?
