Board learns about classroom technology

Thursday, May 14, 2009

CLOVERDALE -- School board members received a technology demonstration during their regular meeting Monday.

Cloverdale High School media specialist Kyle Winkler brought in a smart board and his laptop to show the board how technology is being integrated into the classrooms.

Winkler took the group step-by-step through a program called Moodle, which is a course management system, also known as a learning management system or a virtual learning environment.

The program is a free Web application educators can use to create effective online learning sites.

Winkler said it allows children and their parents to log on and see what was done at school and students to have access to homework assignments.

"Technology is a tool," Superintendent Carrie Milner said.

Two of the school board members raised concern regarding the hi-tech teaching method. Students who do not have access to a computer or internet service outside of the classroom would not be able to utilize the program.

Winkler said he has not noticed a problem with limited computer access. Most students can visit the Knoy Resource Center or are given time during class.

The Cloverdale School Corporation has earned a few grants to help with the costs of going hi-tech.

The idea of technology in the classroom is not just about helping students be prepared for a technological world, but it can be paired with textbooks to help save cost.

The board also voted to adopt new textbooks for the next school year. It was during the brief discussion that CHS principal Sonny Stoltz noted teaching is changing with the integration of technology.

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