News

Today’s technology, tomorrow’s success
The use of technology-based learning continues to expand district wide

May 7, 2010

On a recent morning in Kim Coelho’s 6th-grade English language arts class, she used an interactive whiteboard to complete a lesson. As she read each multiple choice question aloud, the students logged their answers using handheld clickers. Each answer was displayed on the board, showing how many students in the class got it right and how many did not. Coelho reviewed each question along with the right and wrong answers. The students asked questions. Some talked about why they might have chosen an answer that wasn’t correct.

Every student in the room is paying attention. Every student in the room is involved in the lesson. This may not be the classroom that previous generations grew up in, but it shows the power of technology to engage students, bring learning to life and help them develop the skills – new and old – that they will need to succeed. Click here to see a video from the class (.wmv).

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Why do the students respond so well when this type of technology is used? Some educational experts refer to them as “digital natives” — they have grown up with technology being integrated into every part of their lives, whether it’s video games, watching television or showing their parents and grandparents how to attach documents and pictures to e-mail. They are familiar with using clickers, mice, remote controls, cameras, smart phones and smart boards; they don’t think of them as anything unique, special or extra.

“Our students are using technology in every facet of their lives,” Superintendent Kathleen Spring says. “Why would it be any different in our classrooms? Why would that fact change when students walk through our doors? The fact is that in today’s world – and today’s workplace – this is how people learn, this is how business is conducted, and this is how people are successful.”

Mohonasen students are preparing to enter the 21st Century workforce. To make sure they are ready, school leaders are continually working to update curriculum and technological resources to ensure students acquire the skills they need to be successful today – and tomorrow.

“Research tells us that today’s students gain a deeper understanding through the use of technology. It brings learning alive and reinforces critical concepts,” Spring says. “We also know that today’s employers are looking to hire people who are technologically literate, regardless of the field."

District wide, evidence of a shift toward technology-based learning can be found in every corner. From the submersible Web cam in the Bradt library’s tadpole tank; to high school French students communicating with their peers in Belgium and France in real time via the Internet; to replacing old-fashioned chalkboards with interactive whiteboards and television screens that bring lessons to life, Mohonasen’s students are getting ready for digital-age success in a variety of ways.

These technological supports draw students in, motivate them and enhance instruction.

“It’s amazing how children respond to the use of technology in their classrooms,” says Bradt Principal Diane McIver. “Now, instead of just telling students about a topic, we can show them. They can see with their own eyes how polar bears walk across the frozen sea and hear how they growl when they’re fishing. It’s so powerful.”

Across the district, large flat-screen televisions hooked up to computers are being used to show videos, slideshows and images. Similarly, in some classrooms, teachers are using the whiteboards to bring hands-on learning to a whole new level.

At Draper, Mrs. Coelho doesn’t expose students who chose a wrong answer. However, she can log into the system from her desk computer and see how each student responded to each question. It is immediate feedback on whether or not students are understanding her lesson and it helps her. It gives her a better handle on what topics students have mastered and which ones they need to spend more time on. She is also better able to target specific students who may need extra help in certain areas.

“The technology we are using is a win-win for all of us,” Spring says. “The students enjoy using it. It helps them stay interested and helps them internalize instruction. And, it helps us as educators become more efficient and effective.”

And that is just what’s happening. During the last few years, Mohonasen officials have seen test scores rise across the board. Is this because of the use of technology? According to Spring, this is because of a concerted effort district wide to help students achieve at high levels. Technology is just one part of that effort, she says, but it is a very important part. It presents some new and exciting learning opportunities. It also gives educators like Coelho the ability to quickly review which areas students need more work in, which means they can work effectively to ensure students have mastered fundamental skills.

This is why district leaders have continued to maximize state aid and stay on a computer replacement plan to ensure that Mohonasen’s classrooms can be equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

“Investing in technology is a priority at Mohonasen. It’s as simple as that,” Spring says. “Our commitment to helping our students succeed never changes. Technology has become so central and integral to learning that even in challenging times we must commit to maintaining our edge. There is no other option when we consider the higher education and workforce environments we must prepare students for.”

It doesn’t stop there…

As district leaders further integrate technology into the classroom, they are also expanding community partnerships to offer students a wide-range of opportunities with local colleges and universities, and employers. The district is also using technology more and more to connect parents, students, administrators, teachers and community members — all with the goal of supporting students and expanding opportunities for them.

Here are just some of the ways these things are being done:

• New this year, parents of students in grades 6-12 can use SchoolTool – a Web-based application that allows parents to see student grades, progress reports, attendance and discipline information – to stay in direct contact with teachers. It enables parents to view updates to their child(ren)'s progress in school in real time.

• Large LCD television screens are being used – or will be used in the near future – in the hallways at all four district schools to communicate important information and display student work.

• Through the new Mo-Tech program, Mohonasen High School juniors and seniors can take classes in criminal justice and – new next year – film, theater and television. Through this program, as well as Project Lead the Way and the Capital Region BOCES Vo-Tech programs, students are receiving practical, hands-on opportunities in variety of career options, and are meeting professionals from around the region in a variety of fields.

• Teachers are taking advantage of the latest Web 2.0 technologies –Web applications like blogs, video, wikis, podcasts, etc. – that allow for interactivity and quick, convenient information sharing. For example, thanks to a Mohonasen Foundation grant, students and teachers are using FlipCams to create multimedia projects and learn about digital storytelling. Teachers also continue to create and maintain classroom Web pages, which can be accessed from each of the school Web pages.

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