Ferryway 2.0

A few months ago there was a New York Times article about a group of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) physics professors who decided to transform physics instruction.  They were frustrated by decreasing attendance in their introductory physics courses, not to mention a failure rate between 10 to 12%.  The traditional lecture hall format had to go, replaced by smaller classes focused on interactive, collaborative learning. (Technology Enhanced Active Learning)  It also helped that they received a large donation, which was used to engineer a new learning environment that included white boards, digital displays, round meeting tables, and lots of computers.  The most exciting part of the transformation included the use of a student response system.

A similar significant change on a somewhat smaller scale is happening here at the Ferryway.  We’ve been using the Qwizdom Student Response System (SRS) in grades 3-8.  The system consists of a computer, projector, handheld remotes, a special teacher remote, and software similar to PowerPoint.  I’ve been working with a group of teachers to collaboratively integrate lesson content onto a series of slides.  The projector allows teachers to display content such as bar graphs, maps, digital images, and video clips onto the classroom white board.  Students often use markers on the projected display to underline important vocabulary words or circle details found in images to build their observational skills.  Presentations become interactive when a question slide appears, causing each student remote to display a set of responses.  The ever popular multiple-choice question;  A, B, C or D, can easily be programmed.  Students make their selection and wirelessly send the responses.

To learn more about Qwizdom at the Ferryway, listen to a 3-minute podcast or review lesson handouts by visiting the Ferryway School wiki.  Also, some of our Ferryway teacher are blogging about their Qwizdom experiences.  Thanks Mrs. DeSantis, Ms. Ambrose, Mrs. Shelton, and Mrs. Urban for sharing.