Visit to El Camino High School

My visit to El Camino High School was a great experience. I had the opportunity to see how technology is being utilized in the Math Department. Upon entering the classroom, one would instantly notice the sea of iPads on the student desks. The students are accustomed to a classroom routine where they log on to their iPads and complete their bell work task, which usually is a Math multiple-choice problem. After the students completed the bell work task, they completed practice questions to help them prepare for the CAHSEE. As I roamed the classroom, the students were engaged and adamant about completing their tasks. I asked some students whether or not they learn best from the iPad and the response that I received was obvious. The students definitely enjoy the hands-on learning experience that the iPad provides. One of the main reasons why the students enjoy the iPad is that they can easily search for information themselves rather than wait for the teacher to help them who may be helping another student. There is also an application on the iPad that allows students to save their notes and work. They can either take a picture of their notes or even type in their notes using this app. The teacher even enjoys using the iPads in the classroom because there is a program that he uses which allows him to monitor student answers to problems. The program gives a breakdown of which students have mastered the content and which students still need help. The teacher can also work through a problem using an iPad, which can be projected on a screen for students to see which I thought was quite unique. I am an alumnus from El Camino High School and just was amazed at how learning has changed with using technology. I remember my Math classroom and wish that I were fortunate enough as much as these students are. As a teacher, it is important to understand how to meet the needs of the 21^st century learner, which is through technology.