My Classroom in 2020

I am a strong advocate for collaborative group work, and my classroom setup will reflect this philosophy.  The physical setting will consists of table groups where students will engaged in ample group activities and interact regularly with the members of their class.  I also believe in establishing a class community in the beginning of the year so that students will feel that they belong to a family where their thoughts and opinions are valued, where they do not feel judged, and where they voice themselves freely.  

In 2020, if I worked in a district that supported the use of technology in the classroom, I would like for all my students to have a personal laptop computer to use during lessons.  Of course, I would need to first teach my students how to type properly before they develop and internalize incorrect ways of typing.  I would have students use the laptop as a search engine in social studies and science lessons so that they would become familiar with looking for information on the internet.  Before allowing them to search, I would teach them how to recognize between reliable and unreliable sources and also about the importance of using multiple sources for research.  Having internet access would also be valuable at their homes.  For projects students could collaborate with their group mates and share information or work they have done through google docs.  Also, with internet at home and the know-how to use it, students would no longer be able to complain about forgetting to write down the homework.  Having a class website to post homework and answer student questions would keep communication open, even over the weekends or on holidays and breaks.