Technology at Essex
In order to create the best possible learning environment, Essex Academy employs state of the art technology in all of our classrooms and laboratories. Thanks to generous donations from Wayne Industries, each classroom is equipped with the following.
• SMART boards
These hi-tech chalkboards are usually connected to a computer. Not only do these boards convert handwriting to easier to read type, but teachers can also create displays on their computers, allowing them to present sets of notes, drawings, or questions for a pop-quiz, easily and clearly. It is also possible to have a television or any kind of video media player attached and display anything from educational movies to the latest computer game on the large board.
These large boards are also connected to a smaller hand-held board. This device can allow the teacher to walk around the classroom lecturing, checking on students, and still simultaneously write on the wirelessly connected board to display items on the larger wall board. These can be great for writing out math problems or marking illustrations and graphs. Not being tied to the front of the classroom near the board or to a computer can help teachers with better one-on-one student assistance, monitoring for cheating issues, etc.
• Distance-Control of Student Computers
These software and hardware packages allow an instructor to have a central computer linked to all student computers, and perform a variety of functions to enhance the teaching process. By linking the computers to this network, teachers can use a program that gives them remote-control of the student computers. Screens can be locked during lectures to prevent students from surfing the web or playing games during class. Instructors can also sit at their own computer and randomly view the student screens to see how they are doing. These types of software also often allow the students to click a button that offers "virtual hand-raising." A number or name will pop up on the teacher's screen to indicate which student needs direct assistance. In addition, sometimes this software provides ways to display a copy of the instructor's desktop on every student's computer so the instructor can demonstrate an action.
• Student Remote Controls
This is a hardware and software combination that allows the instructor to create lessons, class-participation questions, attendance requests and examinations that can be displayed on a wall or screen. The students obtain remote control-type devices. Some of these remote devices are simple and have buttons such as A through D for multiple-choice style questions. Other remote devices are quite complex and may have options for advanced numeric answers and more. When the student sees a question on the wall or screen, they press a button corresponding to their answer on their remote control. The student's answer is usually stored in software on the teacher's computer. The computer can then calculate scores automatically and even assign them to an electronic gradebook. These devices are often popular with students who feel as though they are playing a game while they are really learning regular academics. Shy students or those with learning disabilities may find it easier to participate in classroom activities with these. Remote controls sometimes come with Braille buttons or Braille overlays as well. These systems also have the ability to send student data to a secure web account where a student can view their grades and other information almost immediately.
