So today was the big day, that is at least for my science students. They presented their group "pet" projects. The groups all did exceptionally well. Not only were their presentations convincing and entertaining, they also had to maintain their cool while plodding through a series of technological hiccups. Each group practiced their presentations last Friday using laptops to represent the SMART board. Unfortunately, the SMART board system had a mind of its own today. Slides were sticking, embedded URL links within their presentations would open 10-12 windows each time the students clicked the link, presentations would arbitrarily close altogether etc. etc. The SMART board is an incredible tool, but unfortunately, the PC running it is in dire need of replacement. Not to mention, the actual projector has become pixilated in some areas, so all the presentations had a partial stars in the night sky effect.
What impressed me the most was how much the students know about computers. When things began to go awry, there were many educated suggestions from the class. I actually chose to sit back and let them figure it out, as they seemed to have a good handle on things. I was further impressed at how the presenting groups handled these glitches. They weren't rattled! They stood at the front of the class for what seemed like hours while presentations were closed and re-started.
Today opened my eyes to the benefits and limitations of peripherals. Here was a group of students who had planned their presentations around a fairly sophisticated piece of technology (SMART board), but were stymied by that technology's limitations when dependent on another technology (old PC). I think this incident can be used to illustrate real world limitations faced by school systems when funding is not able to cover all aspects of a school's technology needs. I could probably think of more things to say, but I am pretty tired. Oh well, you get the gist.
In case you are wondering, the two top contenders for our new class pet are....
A miniature pot-bellied pig and a hedgehog
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