TOP 10 Making an IMPACT on Learning

Top Staff DevelopmentStaff Development 9. Fosters Collaboration! 8. Differentiated Instruction 7. Reduction in Teacher/Pupil Ratio 6. Access, Access, Access! 5. Better Consumers of our Resources 4. Improved Performance! 3. Teachers emerging as leaders 2. Technology not taught in isolation 1. Positive and engaging learning experiences!

When I started teaching at Hayes, the IMPACT Model was well in place. I knew of the grant, but I had no intention of changing my approach to teaching because of it. IMPACT was going to have little impact on me! After all, I considered myself to be a fairly capable teacher with creativity being one of my strengths. It was my opinion that you could have a creative classroom or a technology centered classroom, but ner the twain should meet! Here I am, two years later, with an ACTIVboard in my room, a digital microscope, Viscam, and laptop hooked to a projector at all times! I start everyday with a PowerPoint, and use the other tools often and with confidence. I believe it is a misconception that technology itself motivates students. What motivates students is allowing them to be active participants and engage in all that technology can offer to a small rural school. Technology is now an important part of my classroom, and I believe that I have become a better, and yes, a more creative teacher, because of the Impact Model. »Fifth Grade Teacher »E. J. Hayes Elementary School »Martin County