Classroom/Lab Description

The Teacher Cadet classroom is attractive, well equipped and adjoins the preschool laboratory.  There is a bathroom, storage room, and numerous storage cabinets.  Two bulletin boards and a white board are available to display information and organize students.  The classroom connects to two other Family and Consumer Sciences classrooms; it’s easy to share equipment with other teachers.  The pleasant atmosphere contributes to the success of the program.   

The classroom can accommodate twenty students at round tables that are conducive to cooperative learning and small group work.  The cabinet doors are used to display information and student work.  Students use computers, netbooks, scanners, and cameras to research lessons, complete assignments, and create a professional portfolio.   Most equipment is less than three years old and provides an excellent learning environment.   

Technology is integrated into numerous lessons.  Presentations are frequently made using PowerPoint and the internet.  Students research numerous projects on the Internet and create many assignments using Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and MovieMaker.  Students develop a professional portfolio using a myriad of technology; all assignments for their portfolio are produced on the computer and at the end of the year they also design an ePortfolio using the same assignments.  The equipment that is available includes:

Hardware:                                                                                        Software/Internet

Computers (5)                                                                                   Microsoft Word

Netbooks (30)                                                                                   Microsoft PowerPoint

Printers(3)                                                                                         Microsoft Publisher       

Scanners (4)                                                                                      Microsoft Clip Organizer

Copiers(2)                                                                                         Microsoft Picture Manager

Digital cameras (2)                                                                          Scanner and Camera Wizard

Video camera                                                                                   Photo Printing Wizard

CD Burner (5)                                                                                   Windows MovieMaker

Portable Hard Drives (2)                                                                  Internet

USB flash drive                                                                                

Microphone

Sound card/speakers (2 sets)

LCD Television

Video cassette Recorder/Digital Video Disc Player

LCD (liquid crystal display) Projector

Mimeo Interactive Whiteboard

Laminator – 25”

AccuCut – letter machine

The strengths of the Teacher Cadet classroom include:

• Attractive, pleasant atmosphere
• Adequate size – for twenty to twenty-four students
• Well furnished – round tables to facilitate small group work
• Abundant storage
• Wide variety of latest technology
  • computers (5), netbooks (30) – every student has computer access in the classroom where other resources are also readily available
  • printers (3), scanners (4), copiers (2), portable hard drives (2), digital cameras (2) and video camera – to create assignments and projects
  • LCD projector, speakers (2 sets), Mimeo, and wall-mounted LCD TV for teacher and student presentations
  • Laminating machine, binding machine, three hole punch, letter cutting machine – to create/finish assignments and projects

• White board, bulletin boards (2) and cabinet doors to display information and student work
• Bathroom inside classroom – no need for hall passes

The weaknesses of the Teacher Cadet classroom include:

• Florescent lighting
• Windows in adjoining room
• Trapezoid tables for computer stations – higher than necessary – exposed cords
• Student desk holds copy machine

Plans to improve the Teacher Cadet classroom include:

• Purchase computer tables
• Purchase cabinet with paper storage for copy machine
• Purchase four floor lamps

Technology in the classroom includes:

• computers (5), netbooks (30) and Internet – every student has computer access in the classroom where other resources are also readily available
• printers (3), scanners (4), copiers (2), portable hard drives (2), digital cameras (2) and video camera – to create assignments and projects
• LCD projector, speakers (2 sets), Mimeo, and wall-mounted LCD TV for teacher and student presentations.

See attached pictures.