CPS Brings New Technology to ATC Classrooms

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CPS Brings New Technology to ATC Classrooms
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In the ongoing effort to keep KY Tech
classrooms on the cutting edge of technology, the
Department for Technical Education (DTE) has
supplied all 53 of its area technology centers
(ATC) and central office with the Classroom
Performance System (CPS). CPS is an easy
to use keypad response system created as an
interaction tool for teachers and students. The
wireless devise looks and works in much the same
way as a television remote, sending information
to a sensor that is connected to the classroom
instructors computer. Working through the
supplied CPS software, teachers have the ability
to import curriculum for various classroom
activities. The system can be used in written
or oral objective and/or subjective questioning
techniques. This provides an opportunity for
every student to enter an answer that is
anonymous to everyone except the instructor.
DTE Deputy Commissioner Mary Stratton was
instrumental in getting this project implemented
throughout the KY Tech System of Schools after
hearing about CPS through Barren Co. ATC
Principal Hal Toms. Stratton called Doug Eaton
of Nashvilles Media Services (NMS) to set up a
demonstration with a group of ATC principals and
central office staff. NMS is the distributor of
CPS in this region. Our teachers will be
able to use this system for various tasks
including tests, quizzes and student
comprehension, said Stratton. In my opinion,
it is crucial to assess the progress of the class
and immediately identify those students that need
additional assistance without singling them out.
This technology increases time on task and allows
the teacher to give immediate feedback to each
student while reducing paperwork. CPS is a great
tool and is perfect for the classroom.
It is our hope that in the not so distant
future, all of our classrooms will be equipped
with CPS.
DTE Deputy Commissioner Mary Stratton
DTE Deputy Commissioner Mary Stratton at CPS
training session with NMS Doug Eaton in
background.
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DTE underwrote the cost of supplying one
system to each ATC and eight in the central
office. Each classroom system will work with up
to 32 students. The eight central office systems
have the capability of interacting with up to 256
students each. The ability to use the
central office systems with large groups will be
a tremendous advantage to students and staff
during HOSA and SkillsUSA VICA student
conferences, said Dr. Joyce Wogoman, DTE
secondary initiatives branch supervisor. We
have such large numbers involved in competitions,
CPS units will be convenient for the students,
while giving the scoring staff the ability to
gather results instantly. Teachers and
principals were introduced to CPS in training
sessions provided at the summer conference held
in Louisville. Doug Eaton provided all the
instructional information in those sessions.
This technology was developed, with the help
of hundreds of educators from around the world,
by eInstruction Corporation, located in Denton,
TX. CPS was first introduced in 2000 and now has
more than 300,000 response pads being used in all
50 states and several countries in grades K-12
and on the post secondary level as well, said
Eaton
DTEs Dr. Joyce Wogoman
Ronnie Partin, PrincipalCorbin ATC
Roger Pierce, PrincipalMayfield/Graves Co. ATC
This system is easy to use and provides a world
of opportunities for teachers as well as students
by way of instant technology Doug Eaton, NMS
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Eaton went on to say, This system is
easy to use and provides a world of opportunities
for teachers as well as students by way of
instant technology. Not only will instructors
gain valuable time in the classroom, but also
students now have an avenue of participation that
didnt previously exist. The interactive
technology is fun and creates a more relaxed
atmosphere for participants. Meanwhile, the
teacher is able to check comprehension levels so
that those who might normally fall behind will
have the same advantages as everyone else.
Duane Flora, Principal, Nelson Co. ATC
We make every effort to provide our area
technology centers with the most up to date
technologies available, said DTE Commissioner
Emil Jezik. We believe this technology will
provide our instructors with an array of options
in teaching and assessing students as well as
creating an interactive and attention getting
environment for the student. This
up-to-date technology will obviously be an asset
for our KY Tech teachers however, we also
believe students will benefit greatly and this
creates a win-win situation for everyone. said
Stratton. It is our hope that in the not so
distant future, all of our classrooms will be
equipped with CPS.
Larry Carter, Principal, Monroe Co. ATC
Good News Flash 33, August 11, 2003
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