KATE

Use AirLiners to Keep Students On-Task

Instructional Illuminations

www.infacom.co.uk

By: Fulton Independent Schools

Using technology to enhance student achievement and keep seventh and eighth graders on-task has been implemented by the junior high faculty at Fulton High School. One new technology tool being used by the staff is AirLiners, which are hand-held slates that project onto white boards and interact with projectors, computers, PowerPoint presentations, document cameras, videos, and on-line programs. The mobility and versatility of AirLiners has led to a variety of teaching strategies for these creative teachers. From revising portfolio pieces to highlighting vocabulary, to using the SMART Notebook to create a Venn Diagram, the junior high teachers use the AirLiners as a tool to help students stay on-task.

"The students LOVE to use the AirLiners during a lesson," states Sondra Gibbs, social studies teacher, "Whether it is writing, drawing or completing an activity, I never have a problem recruiting a volunteer(s) to assist with the lesson." New teacher, Mitchell Williamson agrees. He uses the AirLiner in his math lessons to help re-direct his students, "It allows students to see common errors that students make during math problems and some students will even correct each other." Math teacher, Doris Brodrick, agrees, "I can instantly draw number lines and polygons without trying to balance meter sticks and markers." She feels this helps to hold her students' interest. She also finds being able to change colors with a click helps with graphing and holds students' attention.

Teacher, Stacy Howell, finds that AirLiners encourage students who are reluctant to participate in class discussions to see the opportunity to "play" with the AirLiner. She uses the AirLiner in her room to lead classroom discussions on revising portfolio pieces and to manipulate interactive on-line lessons. Science teacher, Tracey Grooms, helps struggling students learn the more difficult concepts of science. "I think that they learn that everyone makes mistakes and that the mistakes can have the opportunity to be corrected."

The AirLiner can also be used to make modifications in the classroom for students with special needs such as enlarging the information or highlighting vocabulary. Teacher, Myra Bass, has used Discovery Education streaming (United Streaming) clips such as journal entries and math prompts on the board daily as bell ringers. "Students knew what to do on a daily basis and appeared ready and willing because they knew what to expect."

All teachers agree that this new technology is definitely keeping the students on-task and enhancing student learning. For more information, contact Becky Fisette, CIO at 270-472-1553.