Field Trip to the Martin-Luther-Schule
_ I was informed about the new media equipment in
the Martin-Luther-Schule (MLS) and I got an insight into the media concept.
During our guided tour we were shown various technical devices and we were also
given further information by Mrs. Fernandez and Mr. Pichel. I am going to
present the media equipment. Furthermore, I am going to refer to aspects which
were particularly interesting for me, i.e. financial aspects, interactive
whiteboards, teacher training, media education, and Mr. Pichel’s vision of the
future as regards the use of media in school.
This is a screenshot of the webpage of the MLS.
Financial aspects
_The deputy headmaster, Mr. Pichel, is in charge
of new media equipment, i.e. he prepares the budget and he is responsible for
the purchase of new media. He informed us that 60,000 euros are at the school’s
disposal per year. A high percentage is given to the different departments of the
MLS spending it on master copies, teacher training, etc. The remaining amount
can be invested in new media. Personally, I had the impression that the budget
for new media is small. This impression was intensified by discussions in class
since I became aware of the fact that enormous amounts of money have to be
spent for media equipment. Luckily, the MLS received an additional fee of 10,000
euros due to a successful competition for an additional fee.
School library and computer rooms
_ In the
library four computers are accessible for pupils. Pupils in year 5 up to year 10
need a consent form signed by their parents for the use of these computers as
there is no system which blocks out specific webpages. In my opinion, it is reasonable
that the pupils can use these computers without asking a teacher for
permission. In particular, for pupils preparing the A-levels it is probably an
advantage to have access to the internet during free periods. In contrast to
these computers, computers in the computer rooms can only be used if a teacher
has booked one of the rooms. These rooms are equipped with 30 computers, i.e.
15 computers in each computer room. Hence, during class two pupils usually use
one computer. But if the teacher prefers that pupils work alone with a
computer, it is also possible to book both rooms. The teacher has the
possibility of using the software “Master-Eye Solution”. It allows to
distribute material directly on the screens of the pupils’ computers and to
send or block specific websites. Unluckily, the pupils have no possibility of
saving files on the computers. For this reason, teachers often advise them to
send documents to their personal email account or to save them on a USB drive.
From my point of view, it would be useful if pupils would have their personal
accounts for the computers in school. However, such a complex system would only
be worthwhile if computers are used frequently. As regards the use of the
computer rooms, I was rather surprised that they are seldom used. Though, some
teachers use the rooms on a regular basis, for instance for a particular training
program for pupils in year 6.
Teacher's lounge
_
In the
staff room two computers are at the teachers’ disposal. Probably, these might not be enough since about
100 teachers are currently working at the MLS. Mrs. Fernandez told us that some
teachers bring their own laptops with them.
In addition to the computers, the staff room is equipped with a flat-screen
showing changes in the timetables. Such digitalized versions of notice boards
are used in many schools and I think they are convenient as they can easily be
updated. Teachers store portable media equipment in the staff room, for
instance projectors and digital cameras. In my opinion, the presenter box with laptop
and sound facilities is very useful as it can easily be carried to classrooms. Apart
from the teacher’s lounge, a second room is used for the storage of media
equipment. Teachers have three additional computers at their disposal and 30
notebooks are stored in this room. The advantage is that the notebooks can be
used in different classrooms. However, they can only be used on one floor since
the whole trolley cannot be carried to a different floor. It was interesting to
get to know that the architecture of the building has a severe influence on the
use of new media. The notebooks are frequently used in class, for instance for
research on the internet which can be accessed in every classroom due to a
wireless network. For this reason, it is advantageous that 16 netbooks were
recently purchased. They can be used in every room of the school as they will
be stored in a portable case.
Teachers use a specific booking system to book media they want to use. In my opinion, it is convenient that teachers can also access the booking system at home. Apart from this system, an online learning platform is used by the teachers and the pupils. According to Mr. Pichel, the use of the platform is currently established, in particular to provide material. Since I appreciate the use of the system at university, I am convinced that its use can be rewarding in schools.
Teachers use a specific booking system to book media they want to use. In my opinion, it is convenient that teachers can also access the booking system at home. Apart from this system, an online learning platform is used by the teachers and the pupils. According to Mr. Pichel, the use of the platform is currently established, in particular to provide material. Since I appreciate the use of the system at university, I am convinced that its use can be rewarding in schools.
Classrooms
_ Apart from
portable equipment, permanently installed equipment can be used in classrooms.
It was surprising to me that the MLS decided to equip classrooms with so-called
“Medienschränke”. This is a wooden box installed next to the blackboard on the
wall. It contains a TV flat-screen, a DVD player, and video player. Teachers
can also use a USB drive. Mr. Pichel told us that computers would be added in
the future. Moreover, he explained that the advantage of this construction was
that technical devices could be kept safe. According to Mr. Pichel, projectors
which have to be installed at the ceiling might get damaged by pupils. In my
opinion, a TV flat-screen cannot replace a projector as it is too small. Yet, I
think that his argument that technical devices might get damaged is a valid
argument. However, I am convinced that other solutions might be possible. For
instance, pupils can only be allowed to be in classrooms if a teacher is
present. Such rules are well established in other schools. I was also
astonished to see such a wooden box as interactive whiteboards are often integrated
in classrooms at the moment.
I created the word cloud with wordle.
Interactive whiteboards
_ The MLS
only possesses two smart boards. One smart board was purchased by the council
of biology teachers who use it frequently. They also participated in a teacher
training course. Contrary, the smart board installed in the art room is only
used by a few teachers. Generally, the MLS does not intend to establish the use
of interactive whiteboards. Mr. Pichel explained that teachers are critical
about the use of smart boards since they question its additional value. According
to Mr. Pichel, using interactive whiteboards does not provide an additional
benefit. He mentioned several arguments. First of all, he said that there is a
lack of appropriate teaching material. Secondly, he stated that smart boards
were not used in an effective way if they were merely used like blackboards. He
claimed that the use of smart boards required profound changes of teaching, for
instance tasks have to be adapted. My impression was that the teachers aim at avoiding
the mere replacement of a blackboard by an expensive interactive whiteboard
without using it properly. As I have already mentioned, I was surprised that
the MLS preferred the installation of the so-called “Medienschränke” and are
questioning the value of using smart boards. I’m going to deal with this aspect
in further detail and I’m also going to point out my personal opinion (cf.
optional task dealing with interactive whiteboards).
Teacher training
_ I have
already mentioned that the council of biology teachers participated in a
teacher training dealing with the use of smart boards. But there have not been
an obligatory training for all teachers. Yet, there will be a teacher training
for the whole staff of the MLS next year. This seminar aims at the improvement
of the teachers’ media competences. Mrs. Fernandez remark was interesting. She
said that teachers often benefited from a multiplier effect, i.e. teachers are
advised by their colleagues who often use new media. I think this kind of teamwork
is really desirable in order to reach a higher level of media competence as it
might be a particularly fruitful and pleasant way of learning.
Media education
_ Not only
teachers have to learn to use media, but also pupils have to learn to use new
media properly. Pupils in year 6 are supposed to participate in a specific program.
After having participated in this course based on a workbook, pupils will be
better able to use the computer and they will have acquired basic knowledge and
skills. Moreover, all pupils receive a USB drive with software they will need
in school and are expected to use, the so-called “Digitale Schultasche”. That
way, it can be ensured that all pupils have access to the software. As regards
media education, I also got to know that the MLS refuses to block webpages.
Personally, I agree to this decision as I am convinced that pupils have to learn
to use the internet in a reasonable way.
Vision of the future
_ It was particularly
interesting to get an insight into Mr. Pichel’s vision of the future. Referring
to a field trip to Denmark, he speculated that pupils might use their own
hardware in school and that texts would only be provided in digital form. He
pointed out that this would be an advantage as pupils could have access to schoolbooks
they used in previous school terms and he added that they would not have to carry
heavy packs of books. In my opinion, his ideas are rather interesting and they
might come true. First, I thought such a development might take a longer period
of time. But after I have thought about my own schooldays which are not that
long ago, I think it can also be a process of a few years.