In the Wes-Del High School English classroom, where a computer screen and keyboard are accessible for students to take notes, complete assignments, and  conduct research, teacher Becky Bland explains, “The technology provides another way to reach students who need a different approach.” Students use Linux™ computers running on an open source platform to practice writing and complete online language lessons. In classroom discussions, students can now quickly find information to share with others or answer teacher questions.
“Students respond well to self-investigation and take ownership of their learning,” shares Bland. “They seem to remember more from seeking the information themselves, such as biographical information about an author, than from me just saying it to them.” She is especially pleased with students’ use of the technology for their senior research papers. “The technology seems to help students learn how to get things done that have gotten skipped over in the past such as outlining.”
In Jayme Davis’s speech classroom, students adapt easily to the technology because “this is what they know and how they do it,” she explains. “It is not a novelty to them and it just becomes part of their routine.”
Laptops are handy as a transportable tool in the science classrooms. Students use the computers to record data from experiments, research ideas on the internet and organize informational files. Biology and anatomy teacher Christina Cole explains, “The technology gives me the ability to expand on a student’s thought or answer a question that they can see immediately.” The addition of a laser printer in the classroom allows students to take notes, or add to study guides during class, and then print their work before leaving. Students use their Moodle™ course accounts to organize their files and to make classroom presentations. “The turn-around time has changed greatly with the addition of the technology. Things can happen almost immediately now,” says Cole.
The transition for students and teachers has been seamless. Students use StarOffice™ for most of their application needs and teachers have found the use of iTALC™ helpful in viewing students’ screens so that immediate feedback can be given on their work. “Students no longer look at the technology as something new at Wes-Del High School. They see it now as just one of the tools that helps them learn,” explains Bush. “I enjoy watching their excitement as they interact with the computers, the interactive whiteboards and fellow classmates as they learn all sorts of things.” Wes-Del Community Schools has made great strides in technology use but will continue on their quest to provide more students at other grade levels with opportunities for immediate access to information using technology.
- For more information about Wes-Del Community Schools
- contact Mike Bush mbush@wes-del.k12.in
- For more information about inAccess
- check out http://www.doe.in.gov/inaccess/
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