Indiana’s Future: Under Construction

Buddy² hosted the 9^th biennial “Celebration of Technology in Indiana Schools” at the North Atrium of the Indiana Capitol on January 31, 2007. Students and teachers from sixteen schools across Indiana joined together to showcase their applied use of educational technologies. Wearing construction worker hard hats and orange work vests, students visited with 29 state representatives, 10 senators, 1 Indiana Supreme Court judge, as well as with other leaders and advocates for Indiana's education.

Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction, visited the students.	Governor Mitch Daniels was presented with a t-shirt from Valparaiso High School.	Lt. Governor Becky Skillman chats with a student from South Newton High School.

Pizza Party Winners!

Before this event took place, Indiana's students were encouraged to contact their legislators to invite them to visit the exhibit. When the legislators arrived, they placed a student-generated pizza form in a drawing. At the end of the day, two pizza party prize winners were drawn:

• Mrs. Ghaffarian's class at Franke Park Elementary (Fort Wayne), entered by Alexia H. and submitted by Representative Phil GiaQuinta
• Mr. Tom Beach's class at Cedar Crest Intermediate School (Huntingburg), entered by Gabe A. and submitted by Senator Richard Young

Key messages of Rotunda Day 2007

• Technology skills, as well as academic and communication skills are fundamental to success before and after graduation.
• Engaged learners stay in school until graduation! Effective technology integration in instruction helps attract and engage students in productive learning.
• Increased funding for educational technology programs, including professional development, is critical for Indiana to regain its rightful place at the top among all states in effective use of educational technology

Highlighted Buddy² Project Links:

The Writing Site
Buddy Teaching and Learning (BTLC)