My ideal classroom.

THis is the moment where I go into the world of fantasy and wonder. I am about to describe the best classroom I can, using ICT in places and sometimes not. Run with me on this...

Firstly, the children all have computers but they are set into the tables so that they can be switched off remotely and used like a normal table. They are touchscreen, which means that the interface changes according to the needs of the lesson or of the child, and they are also linked to a central PC that the teacher controls, so children can sometimes use them independantly and sometimes the teacher controls what they see. This will cut down on the need to copy sheets, but can also be used as a normal table should ICT fail.

There is of course an IWB, though there is also a normal whiteboard and flipchart, covering for all eventualities such as computer failure, pen failure or blackout.

I appreciate that the technology is not entirely there, but on the subject of class management, the teacher has the ability to confine sound to a cretain part of the room, probably using neutrons or something. This would mean that group work would be a lot easier as you could section off certain areas of the room, but also that disruptive pupils would suddenly find themselves talking but no-one hearing them. As another bonus, there would be no disruptions from other classes as you could hold a brass band lesson and the teacher next door would be none the wiser.

Display boards could be computerised, so that you could create a disply at home and them bring it it, but also post up work or resources in paper. I really do intend to have my cake and eat it.