Visit To Fisler

I was really impressed by what I saw in Cynthia's classroom. I have seen a SmartBoard, but never a Promethean Board. Very exciting possibilities! I was most impressed with the way she managed the classroom with the board. She could be anywhere in the room, and still use the white board as a focusing point for students' attention. This is an amazing teacher tool. I would make a lot of use out of this feature because I really enjoy walking around while I'm teaching. I think it would also be helpful for the students because they don't have the teacher in the way of the board. What's important to see is visible for all students.
I also think that this board gives students a greater responsibility in their learning. Usually the front board is seen as the teacher's writing space--but not in this classroom. That board is the teacher's and the student's writing space. I think this will create pride and a deeper sense of thoughtfulness in student learning. They will want everyone to see their great thoughts and they will be less inclined to put something goofy or nothing at all on the board.
The Proscopes were also a favorite. I think that they wouldn't be that helpful if they were just microscopes, but they allow storage and manipulation of real-life microscopic images on students' personal laptop space. This is incredible! A student can go home and review the image he took of a cell at home. I also think that the proscope is amazing because it is mobile and can be placed over any object, at any angle. Normal microscopes can only be placed over a small slide. This feature will allow students to see almost anything at a microscopic level.
I had such a great time at this school. I definitely want to do everything I can to get some of this technology into my future classroom.