Technology Fair School #9

It was really great to see the article in the newspaper March 21, about the technology fair at school #9.  I was so happy to see that a school is not only using the technology we are learning about but trying to spread the word.  One teacher that was in school in the 70’s stated that he was happy when his teacher let him try typing on a monochromatic computer screen.  Today that teacher is running a computer lab that has the ability to teleconference with classrooms around the country and the world.  What an amazing feeling that must be for that teacher.  Another teacher talked about how she helped teachers at school #9 set up classroom web pages using “My Teacher Pages”.  Now 20 teachers at school #9 have set up classroom web pages, and the reaction of the parents has been outstanding.  Just to hear that parents are excited about their children’s learning makes all of the difference.  The article mentioned items such as SMART boards, document cameras, LCD projectors, and dance pads.  I hope we will be learning about those in our class as they seem more prevalent than some of the programs we are learning about.  The best part was the picture showing a teacher experimenting with a zoom scope and smiling from ear to ear.  If technology can be used to make teachers excited about teaching then imagine the students reaction.  Fourth grade teacher Charles Hall summed up the excitement and curiosity about technology saying “the teachers are as bad as the fourth graders”.  Technology is going to be a great tool as long as it is available and teachers are taught how to use it to get the most out of their students.