Use of Technology

The animal science department uses a variety of technology. Some technology is utilized to aid in the delivery of content; other technology is science specific and allows the students to practice with tools that are used in animal related fields.

Technology is utilized by both teachers during class time. Both classrooms are equipped with interactive SmartBoards which are connected to computers. The computers have TurningPoint software and hardware installed.

The SmartBoards allow for a variety of instructional presentations. Both teachers use the SmartBoards to provide the students daily information. The boards are also used to present material through PowerPoint presentations. Within the presentations, the interactivity is used to allow the teachers or students to add information to the slides. This information can then be saved and printed for students.

TurningPoint works with Microsoft PowerPoint. TurningPoint allows teachers to create slides that ask the students questions. Remote answering devices let students answer the questions and records their answers. The collective results of the students’ answers are displayed immediately. The individual responses can be saved and analyzed later to evaluate individual student needs. Both teachers use this technology frequently to gage student understanding.

Arlington Public Schools uses Blackboard educational software. Blackboard is a web based program that allows teachers to post class material online so students can access it electronically. The Animal Science Program uses Blackboard extensively. All of the assignments used in the classes are posted on Blackboard. Calendars and grades are posted regularly to keep students up to date. Both classes take at least some of their tests online. Blackboard grades the tests as soon as the student submits it. The student can then review the test to see how they did and read teacher feedback for incorrect answers. Technical Animal Science uses the blog feature of Blackboard to discuss animal use groups and to discuss dealing with the loss of a pet. Blackboard has allowed students to become more responsible for their learning by providing them feedback on performance and tools to improve when needed.

Animal health and vital signs are covered in both classes. Students are taught how to find a heart rate with their hands and with stethoscopes for mammals. A reptile heart rate however, can not be heard with a stethoscope. Students are required to find various animals’ heart rates. The students use stethoscopes when appropriate and a hand held sonophone to find and count the heart rate of the reptiles in the lab.