After two months of silence, I am writing my first post for this school year 2010-11. ISD is moving ahead in terms of technology with the new addition of tools and resources, leading to infusion of more integration of technology in the classrooms. In the HS, the tablet initiative is launched at the 9th grade level this year. Thanks to 9th grade parents for subscribing 100% to the school sponsored purchasing plan and that has helped to keep the logistics easier, in terms of imaging the software/insuring the machines etc. The initiative is off to a good start with teachers starting to use the technology in their classes. Some classes use more than the others but the initial hiccups are over and the real use of technology is taking over. The students use the tablets to take notes, get HW from and send them electronically to their teachers, do a quick research, and graph the data they collected, to name a few. See the pictures below.
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| ISD Tablet Initiative |
We have introduced two more mobile labs (laptops on carts), one at the elementary level and another at the middle school level. The teachers sign-up for them and use them in classes, whenever they need. I was talking to one of the teachers who uses them regularly and she mentioned that the laptops have made the teaching – learning process more effective, as they have access to technology & the classroom resources in one place – their classroom.
We have also added 9 more Smart Boards and 6 document cameras. Grades 3-8 and core classes in HS have Smart boards in their classroom. This year we have introduced them in a Modern Language classroom and in Art room.
All MS & HS students are provided with an email id from the school this year. This, we believe, will help improve classroom communication.
This year, the focus is on to maximize the use of technology to improve student understanding and achievement. Teachers and the tech department are working hand in hand to achieve that.
I will keep you posted as it goes ….
