Classroom Observations

By Sean on Friday, November 5, 2010 - Related Tags:- news, research

Evaluating a 1-to-1 computing initiative (e.g., laptops, netbooks, iPads) should be seen as a comprehensive process. Simple surveys can only tell you so much. Test scores may or may not be relevant . . . the district would need to know which lessons are taught using the mobile devices and which lessons are not taught using the devices; otherwise, the data becomes convoluted with regard to test scores. 

Classroom observations can reveal much about how devices are being integrated into teaching and student learning. Unfortunately, observations are often seen as an obtrusive practice from the perspective of the classroom teacher. Observations are also time intensive to be of much value. However, administrators (e.g., a Principal) often conduct observations as part of the typical teacher review process. This observation could also include a review of technology being used in the classroom. For this type of observation to have value, the principal needs to have a clear understanding of what is being measured and how to recognize it in the classroom. 

The key first step is to know how data will be evaluated and how decisions are going to be made based on the data collected. Administrators must then determine what they intend to measure during classroom observations. Are the observations being used to merely determine whether technology is being used? Questions to answer during these basic observations include: Who is using technology; Which technologies are being used; How often is technology being used, etc. Perhaps the observations are being used to help illustrate whether technology standards are being met or whether 21st century literacy skills are being addressed in teaching and learning? This kind of an evaluation takes considerable more training for the individuals conducting classroom observations and much time defining those skills being observed. The Northwest Educational Technology Consortium provides some resources for classroom observations here that might be useful as a starting point for thinking about classroom observations. Classroom observations can be very useful in the formative assessment process to improve a new ubiquitous computing initiative, particularly if teachers are already being observed for other evaluation purposes.

Some future blog entries will build upon the topic of classroom observations so stay tuned.