I am from Connecticut, where CREC (Capitol Region Education Council) magnet schools are well known for preparing students for a global society with the best technological resources. You can read more about CREC schools on their website, http://www.crecschools.org/. I had the pleasure of doing a phone interview with Josephine DiPietro Smith, principal of the Reggio Magnet School of the Arts. We talked about how her school combines technology with education in the classroom. Here are some of the highlights of the interview!
How often do students interact with technology on a daily basis?
Our curriculum requires our students to have technology time every day. We have incorporated some new learning systems into their daily reader's block or free time. Such programs include Splash Math learning games, Raz Kids, a reading program, Red Bird, an enrichment program, and typing.com for typing proficiency.
Do educators also use technology?
Educators use a program called Mile Post. Mile Post is our data recording system for tracking progress and posting teacher's goals for students and following the progress. This allows all educators to have access to a students' records. It is especially helpful for the interventionists to quickly find relevant data on a particular student. Teachers also have a SMARTBoard in every classroom, which is an interactive, touch screen projector.
Could you tell me more about the SMART Board? How does it fit into the daily lessons in the classroom?
All of the daily lessons are taught using the SMART board. The lesson is projected onto the SMART board via a laptop or computer. The touch screen board allows educators to move through the lesson presentation with ease. Once the lesson is complete, teachers allow students to come up to the board and perform the lesson exercises. It is also a wonderful entertainment tool. For example, we can use it to present movies on special occasions or dance and fitness videos when we have indoor recess due to inclement weather.
Are there any downsides to having technology in the classroom? Do students ever get distracted?
Although we have internet restrictions in place, students will occasionally attempt to visit a website that is not authorized. On a very rare occasion, a website may slip through the firewall,
and thus we have multiple layers of systems in place to closely monitor student activity. Students who have their own iPhones or other devices must keep them inside their backpack during the day.
and thus we have multiple layers of systems in place to closely monitor student activity. Students who have their own iPhones or other devices must keep them inside their backpack during the day.
It's amazing to see the different ways that Mrs. Di Pietro Smith's school incorporates technology. It is no wonder that the Reggio Magnet School of the Arts was named a school of distinction for the 7th year in a row and was invited to participate in the Google Expedition program. Undoubtedly, her students will be well prepared for a future involving technology!
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