Untethered teaching: How technology increases participation

Advanced Technologies Academy using Promethean

Published: August 3rd, 2020

What began as an experiment in flexible seating in 2018 blossomed into an untethered, student-centered environment that’s taken hold in Advanced Technologies Academy, a 1,100-student magnet high school. Kristen Taylor, Honors Geometry and AP Calculus AB teacher, and Michael Patterson, Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 teacher, knew that they had to change the way they deliver lessons, which involved better use of technology to get increased participation.

“Through our own professional development, we realized we were much more engaged when we took part in lessons,” said Patterson.

What started as a physical classroom change coincided with a pedagogical shift, too. Instructional time begins with a 10- to 15-minute mini-session displayed on their Promethean ActivPanel. Teachers stand on a raised platform, providing students with a clear line of sight from the couch to bar stool and bean bag chair. Already gathered in groups throughout the classroom, students jump into the lesson from their tablets or by interacting directly with the ActivPanel through its 1:1 capability.

Read the full story to learn how they implemented technology alongside flexible seating to promote more sharing, talking, and working together amongst their students.

Download the Advanced Technology Academy customer story here.