While there were a few challenges to overcome during the installation, learning to use the projectors post-installation proved to be quite simple for students and teachers.
“Training was extremely easy. There was almost no learning curve. Once the projectors were fired up, for somebody to come and use their finger and interact with it really involved no training at all. It blended directly to all the Mac computers they were already familiar with and it acted essentially like their computer did. Their fingers were now the mouse,” says Fraioli.
The Epson 595wi’s have significantly transformed Tampa Prep’s classrooms. Students now have the ability to interact with multiple displays with just the touch of their fingers. Teachers can now expand their lesson plans and are no longer limited to one side of the room. While the Epson projectors have helped to facilitate collaboration and interaction, a vital part of the success of the installation was the school’s focus on how the technology could be used as a tool to improve teaching and learning, and not just another way to display images.
“I think we did a really good job addressing the fact that teachers don’t really have a lot of time to learn new tech for tech’s sake. They need to focus on curriculum and teaching styles,” says Lewis. “There was a lot of work on the teachers’ part, but less so with the tech and more so in readdressing how to teach. ‘Now I have my iPad, I have my MacBook, the students have iPads and we have a wireless network and multiple displays, how does this affect the way I teach?'”
Another important factor that contributed to the success of the Epson installation at Tampa Prep was the common understanding between teachers and school personal regarding why they were purchasing the technology, as well as the goals they wanted to accomplish from the installation.
“Getting buy in from all your constituents is huge. Ask your constituents what they want to accomplish and then you can look for the right device to make that happen,” says Lewis.
Check out this PBS video featuring Tampa Prep’s use of the Epson BrightLink 595wi projectors.
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