Grant puts sustainable technology tools to use in area classrooms
It's no secret that technology is advancing at a dizzying speed. Schools, especially, don't have the funds to keep up with computers that are outdated every two or three years.
But thanks to an innovative partnership between ESD 112 and several technology companies, five teachers from around the ESD 112 region are developing 21st Century classrooms with innovative technology that will stand the test of time. The "Sustainable Technology Grant" aims to create a classroom model of technology integration that is replicable and sustainable, and that supports the research-based instructional strategies that are identified in the book Classroom Instruction That Works , (Marzano, et al, 2001).
"Instruction is more visual in my classroom now," explained teacher Patty O'Flynn from Woodland High School. "The students are excited and engaged because they get to use the equipment; it's not just the teacher using it. Also, if a student is absent, they can view classroom lessons on a web-based posting board."
According to Debbie Tschirgi, ESD 112 Educational Technology Director, the idea behind the grant is that in five to seven years (or more), the classroom technology will still be doing what it was meant to do at the time of purchase. "Schools that invest in sustainable technology solutions maximize their technology budgets and reduce their replacement cycles," she explained. "In addition, schools that focus on sustainable classrooms narrow the range of technologies that require ongoing support," she added.
Many technologies, when put into the hands of a dynamic teacher, will engage students in their learning experiences. Interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and projectors, wireless response systems and classroom audio systems are all sound technology investments that can make learning a richer, more meaningful experience for students.
Tschirgi said that at the heart of any successful tech classroom is an effective teacher. "The changes that take place in a classroom do not occur because of the technology. Rather, it's the teacher that holds the key to teaching and learning. A teacher that grounds their instruction in identifying clear learning goals and proven instructional strategies, and THEN selects the use of the technology to strengthen the approach, will have a better chance of seeing achievement gains than the teacher who lets the technology drive the learning."
The five teachers from Southwest Washington who were selected to participate in the Sustainable Classroom Grant for 2005-2007. They include:
- Kristi Colman, Zellerbach Elementary School, Camas S.D. (Grade 5)
- Peter Knowles, Columbia High School, White Salmon-Valley S.D. (Grades 9-11, Social Studies and English)
- Jerri Ann Patten, Kelso High School, Kelso S.D. (Grades 10-11, History and Literature)
- Patty O'Flynn, Woodland High School, Woodland S.D. (Grades 9-12, Math)
- Kristy Schneider, La Center Middle School, La Center S.D. (Grade 6, Math, Science, Art and Reading)
These teachers were selected to develop the classroom models because they were able to provide evidence of leadership and participation in their own school reform efforts, as well as in the area of educational technology. The teacher applicants also had to demonstrate a high level of readiness and willingness to use modern digital tools that will transform their classrooms. Their applications also provided evidence that they are creative, enthusiastic, pioneering, co-learners with their students, and willing to embrace research as a pathway to improving learning.
By providing digital tools for the classroom, such as an interactive whiteboard, document camera, projector, wireless response system, and an audio system, the ESD 112 Ed Tech Support Center and the grant partners hope to observe and document the kinds of changes that can take place in the learning experiences of students.
Grant partners include Troxell Communications, Hitachi of America, Avocent, Saxton Bradley, Inc., Smart Technologies, eInstruction, and ESD 112's Ed Tech Support Center.
Teachers spent the summer learning to use SMART Boards, document cameras, and eInstruction wireless response systems. Beginning this fall, they'll study Robert Marzano's book "Classroom Instruction That Works."
For more information, contact Debbie Tschirgi, (360) 750-7500.
Photo Caption: Math teacher Patty O'Flynn from Woodland High School is using digital tools provided by the ESD 112 Sustainable Technology Grant in her classroom this year.