Chapter Five: Educational Technology/Microsoft's Backyard

In the video "Classroom Management Software," different types of classroom management software is discussed. The individuals in the video discuss the Class Server and how it assists teachers, students and parents in teaching and learning. The Class Server is an online based classroom management tool that allows teachers to post assignments for students in conjunction with educational standards. This program gives feedback to students and allows the teacher to more easily track student progress. There are many advantages to using classroom management tools, such as the Class Server, in a school district. One obvious advantage of this type of program is that the feedback is instant, allowing the student to get the grade back without having to wait for the teacher to grade it. Also, the program allows the teacher to create assignments based on the students, assigning the students individualized assignments based on the needs and abilities of the students. I think that programs such as the Class Server are very cutting edge in the classroom. I think that encouraging students and engaging the students are imperative roles that the teacher must assume. With classroom management programs that allow teachers to tailor assignments to the needs of the students, the role of the teacher is slightly easier. I think that classroom management programs such as the Class Server have an important place in the classroom. While there are many advantages to using classroom management tools such as the Class Server, there are also many obstacles in using the programs as well. One obstacle is the education required to use the program. In order to effectively use the program, one must understand how to use it. Also, having adequate technology, which can be quite costly, is also an obstacle to using such classroom management tools. Another obstacle to using such classroom management tools is encouraging teachers who are less technologically inclined to use the program. Not all teachers are excited about technology and could be tempted to keep using methods of instruction that do not involve the classroom management tools.