Technology News

Just wanted to make everyone aware of some of the new things that we are doing this year in the area of technology. Even though we had a smaller budget to work with last year, we were still able to get a few new things around the district.

If you haven't been in the Elementary computer lab lately, go take a look. We took all of the computers out and replaced them with new ones. A few of the computers that were in the lab have then been reloaded and placed in a few classrooms. The others are in the computer graveyard, and I am using parts from them. The great thing about having the same brand of computers in the district is that a lot of the parts will interchange.

The High School library has new student computers, and also new card catalog software. The librarians have been very busy getting to know their software on a very personal basis. I believe that Janice could even recite the new manual in her sleep.

In the Junior High, Mrs. Mobley has taken on the challenge of starting STAR Math, and Accelerated Math. We have been using Renaissance Learning software for years in the area of reading through Accelerated Reader and STAR Reading. STAR Math works just like STAR reading in that it is purely a diagnostic tool. Accelerated Math is a little different than Accelerated Reader because it prints out a worksheet that is individualized for each student based on their placement in the STAR test. I look forward to seeing student results at the end of the year.

In the Science classroom, Mr Perez was able to get a new microscope, and also a special scope that he can connect to his computer to capture images. The scope also connects to a television set so that the entire class can see the images.

Mrs. Bailey received a device to connect her computer to a TV so that she can demonstrate and show PowerPoints to the whole class. I will also be placing one of these devices in the Elementary Library, and I have one that can be checked out as well.

I am sure that there are a few things that I have forgotten, but that gives you an idea of where we are spending the technology fund money. Remember at the end of the year I send out an email asking for requests and most of them are usually purchased if we have them in time. Be thinking about things in the area of technology that you could use to "Enable Students To Learn To The Fullest of Their Whole Potential".

TL

Email:  Technology Coordinator Mr. Travis Laver