Finding a way to keep students motivated, on-task and engaged in course content can be a daunting task - especially when teaching students with varying learning abilities and styles. However, over time, many teachers develop a method that works for them. Allison Agee, social studies teacher at Kalani High School in Hawaii, found her rhythm in 2009 when the school district decided to implement a one-to-one program. Agee did not see the new technology as a barrier to teaching, but rather an exciting new opportunity to reach students in a way they understand.

"Students have grown up with technology and use these modalities every day outside of the classroom," said Agee. "Using technology is speaking their language - students automatically feel more comfortable, more engaged and it makes course content feel relevant to them."

The district equipped all laptops with the DyKnow Software Suite so teachers could monitor computers and interact with students. While in training, Agee saw immediately how she could use DyKnow to differentiate instruction and help students bring relevancy to course content - the backbone of her teaching philosophy.

"I believe all students have the right to construct their own meaning of course content, to learn and apply skills beyond the classroom, to feel safe and nurtured in their environment, and to feel like their learning experience is relevant and meaningful," said Agee.

Fortunately, after one year of one-to-one computing, Agee has been able to combine her philosophy with the technology to realize her teaching goals.

"Student engagement is up because they are able to choose a participation mode that works for them," said Agee. "I have a lot of students who are too scared to participate in discussion, formal or informal, but with DyKnow Vision, those students can participate in our group brainstorms and discussions. So many more great ideas get shared and all students get a voice without the fear of being judged by me or their peers."

In addition to increased engagement, Agee also noticed some unexpected benefits: increased accountability and maximized class time.

"Students are more accountable because they know I can monitor them," said Agee adding that the interactive features help her conduct activities more efficiently. "We share panels to brainstorm critical thinking questions as a group. Students submit panels to me for quick formative quizzes and warm-ups. I send worksheets and homework assignments straight from my computers to theirs and I can open up complicated URLs for them quickly to complete class activities."

Throughout any given class, students will be required to participate - not because Agee demands it but because students are compelled to share and discuss in her technology-rich classroom. The transformation is undeniable.

"Students love having DyKnow on their screens and love being able to take notes," said Agee. "They say that studying and using those DyKnow slides later is more meaningful!"

It's probably safe to say that if Agee was not motivated to transform her teaching, then students wouldn't be experiencing their new, improved classroom today. Agee put it best: "We are preparing students for a world rich with technology. They need to be literate. [In school] students are practicing for life and should be treated like valued adults who are capable of achieving everything they set their minds to."