Technology Enhances Learning

As part of the construction and remodel of the Kinsey Elementary School and the Sioux Center High School over two hundred thousand dollars of technology hardware was purchased and installed.  This technology consists of smart boards (interactive white boards), LCD projectors, netbooks, instant response “clickers” and a security system. 

Technology is a tool that, when used appropriately, can enhance a student’s learning immensely.  The money invested in technology is too great to not maximize its usage.  Even with training, the use of the technology only touches the tip of iceberg as to what the hardware is capable of doing.  The world beyond high school will be very different from the world I found when I graduated from high school more than thirty years ago.  For example, there are more computer capabilities in today’s automobile than the lunar craft that landed on the moon in 1969.  The personal lives and professional careers our children will demand that the individual be a life-long learner that is adaptable to the ever changing world.

Twenty First Century Skills are one of the components of the Iowa Core Curriculum that is now mandated by the State of Iowa.  These twenty first century skills demand technical literacy.  Students as young as kindergarten experience interactive learning through the use of smart boards and Apple Ipads.  The facilities of the district now have wireless capabilities.  Several classroom sets of netbooks (laptop computers on a traveling cart) allow students to interact within any classroom.  Several teachers have begun to use Goggle Docs, an online process for completing homework and study group.  This process is becoming more the norm than the exception in many colleges today.

One of the keys to the success of the technology is staff training.  In order for a staff member to have a smart board the staff member must have had training.  The dilemma for training staff is that there are many different ability levels and technology aptitudes.  During the second semester, staff will be afforded the opportunity to receive training in various topics and areas of technology that will be taught by staff members that have taken the lead on technology within their own classrooms. 

The Sioux Center Community School District will continue to plan for future technology possibilities.  One study will examine the possibility of becoming a one to one school, a laptop for every student.  One to one schools can provide many opportunities for the students.  The key in the research will be whether the move to one to one has a positive impact on student achievement. 

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

Alvin Toffler