Teachers and students appreciate benefits of personal computers and shared learning tools

Edgewood’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative was featured in a story in the Wisconsin State Journal that discussed just a couple of the ways faculty are implementing computer-assisted learning in their curricula. Chromebooks are fast, secure, simple to use, offer long battery life, integrate seamlessly with student Google email and Apps for Education, and provide access to a number of tools and apps through the Chrome Web Store.

While uses in math and science classes may be more obvious, all departments are embracing the added tool that allows them to reach and teach students in new ways. For example, English II students created “maps” using Google Draw to illustrate Esperanza’s journey in The House on Mango Street. They also participated in online discussions about books they read during the summer.
Students in AP English used Google Docs and Google Slides to collaborate on group projects for The Kite Runner and Merry Wives of Windsor. In addition, they are preparing for the AP Exam by taking online practice AP English exams that have been created in Google Forms.

In Modern Drama, Google Docs provided collaborative space for students to brainstorm and share notes. After students conducted research on Tennessee Williams and his play, A Streetcar Named Desire, they came to class and logged onto a class Google Doc to share their favorite tidbits while the document was projected on the board. An interactive discussion followed; during this discussion, students added pictures, color, and fonts for emphasis. This shared document will be used as a resource for future classwork.

In freshman Biology, students work collaboratively on creating reports as they contribute individual research, then compare their research in small groups, amend the information as a group and then complete a single report.

In an example of the “flipped classroom” concept, some teachers provide students with videos of themselves reviewing homework or lecture concepts, which students can view at home on their Chromebooks for curriculum reinforcement. Google Classroom offers a discussion forum option, which allows students to have online discussions where they are able to develop their own perspective on classroom topics. Discussions are then referenced by teachers to ensure student comprehension and encourage in-class discussion.

Less paper! Teachers and staff have transitioned to posting syllabi, assignments, essay drafts and announcements, greatly reducing our use of paper.

Edgewood looks forward to increasingly being a model environment for expanding the possibilities that computer-assisted learning offers in allowing teachers to implement instructional diversity that keeps students engaged and prepares them for the world after school.