A New Beginning

Overview

We are starting the 2011-2012 with a focus that combines technology and resources. Our goal as a classroom is to limit our consumption of non-renewable resources and utilize the technological and digital components at our disposal to move towards a paperless classroom environment. We recognize and realize that this journey and transition will not be as simple as we would like, but we are determined to minimize our educational environmental impact as much as is within our control to do so.


Operation

So how exactly are we attempting to do this? First we have been able to create student email accounts for all the students in our 11th and 12th grade classes. Class notes, outlines, activities, and projects are distributed through email attachments. Second, traditional assessment is taking place using response systems such as Google forms and Dropbox. Third, we are editing and storing using devices and/or Google docs.

Outcome

This type of distribution, assessment, and storage eliminates the excess photocopying and allows students to be more organized with class material. Losing an assignment or having it end up in the trash does not occur since a digital copy is always be readily available, and record keeping is easier and streamlined.




The main challenge that we are facing is the accessibility to wireless carts, net-books, and the computer lab which are not always available for use. Since the district has many resources at their disposable I believe this presents a good challenge because it reflects the fact that many teachers are continuing to integrate technology. If this continues we will have to wait and see what the future may hold, maybe a 1 to 1 program down the road? For now however we will remain steadfast in our approach to limit consumption and move towards being paperless.