The Global View: Edutek Midwest shares The Classroom Performance System around the world

The Asia Pacific Economic Community (APEC) held their 2004 Conference in historical Santiago, Chile. The keynote speaker, Dr. Yong Zhao of Michigan State University, used a unique and effective tool to engage his audience during his opening statements to the 21-member countries of APEC. He presented to the APEC Education Community a bold challenge: reconsider the long held assumption in education that the lower your computer-to- student-ratio the better your use of technology in the classroom. Dr. Zhao invited Edutek Midwest to participate with him as an integral component of this presentation.

The theme of Dr. Zhao’s presentation focused on the past use of educational technology, including its successes and failures. He emphasized that tools like the Classroom Performance System (CPS) may hold the key to maximizing the benefits of new technology, while significantly improving student learning. He challenged the 120 attendees to choose between standard classroom technology (computers); emerging inexpensive “smart books;” or newer classroom tools like student response systems. All of these devices empower teachers to engage and assess students, but each tool offers distinct advantages for the teacher and the student. These differences help distinguish response pad technology, notably CPS, and have proven to be highly effective in the classroom. To prove his point, Dr. Zhao used the Classroom Performance System in his opening remarks to get feedback and to keep his audience involved.

Throughout the weeklong conference, the Ministers of Education of the twenty-one APEC countries met to review the role of Classroom Technology in a variety of areas. The education ministries of Korea, Canada, China, and Taiwan presented a variety of programs that are in-use---as well as several being proposed. The Chilean Minister of Education proposed a pilot of the Classroom Performance System program for several schools in Chile.

Discussing interactive classroom tools is second-nature to Arlyn Boorsma of EduTek Midwest. His presence in Santiago helped introduce Chile’s Minister of Education, Sergio Bitar, to the Classroom Performance System.

For APEC 2004, the host country of Chile proved a fascinating venue. In a country of just 15 million residents, nearly half live in or near the capital city of Santiago. In addition, about 70% of the K-8 elementary schools have less than 30 students and are supported by just one teacher. In essence, most of Chile’s education is said to be comparable to the one-room schools of another era in U.S. history.

For Chile, many of these schools will be receiving their first computer during the next few years. It is our hope that the Classroom Performance System, which not only engages all students interactively but also assesses student progress, will help magnify the power of the one-computer-school in the breathtaking country of Chile. Adios!