Case Study: Molino Park Elementary

Implementation cont..

In language arts, Smith brings her instruction of adjectives, verbs, and nouns alive with her flipcharts. Students eagerly come to the Activboard and interact with their classmates as they manipulate the key parts of a sentence or fill in the blank of a question. Additionally, she may incorporate the Activote, the hand-held voting devices that provide teachers with instant student feedback.

“Our class has a set of 32 Activotes so the students pick up their unit on the way to their desks,” said Smith. “Then at anytime during class, I can use the Activote to solicit answers to problems or host a quiz or test. This gives me an immediate measurement of how well my students understand the material.”

In another example, the three, fourth-grade teachers worked as a group. The children were asked to read a story and then answer questions with their Activotes to test their comprehension skills. They rotated between each class with a different story and test given in each class. Smith added, “The students loved it because it was fast and fun, and the teachers loved it because we got an instant read on our students’ comprehension skills, which are all part of the Florida State Sunshine Standards.”

At a recent open house, Smith used the game show template and created a “Grinch Quiz.” “Parents were fascinated,” said Woodward. “They were curious at first, then they really got in to it and didn’t want to leave!”

“The Activboard system has made me a better teacher,” said Smith. “No longer do I have to rely on the old ‘drill and practice’ style of teaching or simply follow along in the textbooks. I’ve got the Internet at my fingertips. Not to mention, I don’t stand with my back to the class writing things on the board as we go. Now when the bell rings I’m ready to inspire, motivate and explore.”