Flipcharts in the Classroom

The flipchart I have chosen covers the concept of evolution, and is intended for grades 6-12. The link to the flipchart is below:

Evolution Flipchart

I think this flipchart would be highly useful in a science classroom.  It clearly demonstrates many of the fundamental concepts of evolution, including the appropriate vocabulary, and it also contains many interactive games that could help students who prefer a hands-on approach to learning. In this way, it utilizes one of the many benefits of using technology in the classroom by "providing support for working cooperatively" and "letting students study systems in unique ways" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, pg. 25). It also conveniently links to further information on several topics if you want to explore a certain subject more deeply.

Hardware/Software
The use of a flipchart like this one requires you to have certain types of hardware and software on-hand.  Teachers can use a variety of hardware in the classroom, including microcomputers, handhelds, display technologies, imaging technologies, peripherals, and external storage (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). To display and interact with flipcharts, a teacher must use display technologies such as a projection system and an interactive whiteboard. The software needed to run the flipchart is called ActivInspire.

Technology Use Based on Problem Solving
As a general rule of thumb, technology in the classroom should not be bothered with unless it helps to solve a problem, such as motivating and engaging students or supporting students' learning needs. Using flipcharts such as the on I have selected can help to solve several problems.  One such problem is gaining students' attention; according to our book, visual and interactive forms of technology can "direct students' attention toward learning tasks" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, pg. 25)

Essential Conditions for Technology Integration
There are many conditions that must be met for the successful integration of techology into the classroom; among these are shared vision (system-wide support for implementation), required policies (assurance of ethical and appropriate use of technology), and access to hardware and software (Roblyer & Doering, 2013).  I believe the use of flipcharts such as this one fulfills all three of these conditions. First, use of educational technology is being supported more widely than ever before, and grants for things like smart boards are fairly common. Second, the use of flipcharts ensures that the instructor has total control of the content students are exposed to. Finally, the use of flipcharts requires only the teacher to have access to the technology being used, with no additional requirements of the students.

Software Support Tools
Software support tools are technological tools that go beyond basic capabilities of software; this includes improving efficiency and productivity, improving appearance of product, improving accuracy of information, and increasing support for interaction (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). The flipchart I have chosen contains a wide variety of animations and graphics that I personally wouldn't stand a chance at producing myself in any efficient length of time. Furthermore, it contains several interactive sections that can engage students in ways that straight lectures can't. In general, the use of flipcharts makes it very easy to use the latest and most accurate information for all your classroom materials.





References
Roblyer , M. D.,& Doering, A. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (6th ed., pp. 25-142). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Education, Inc.