SPHS officials showcase newly-integrated technology for Ritz

Getting a close-up look at how the new 1:1 technology is being utilized, Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz looks over the shoulder of South Putnam student Kieffer Vittetow as he does his anatomy and physiology work Monday morning.

On just the second school day after their 1:1 technology rollout, South Putnam High School administrators had a chance to show off their new technology to the top schools official in the state.

Watching intently as AP Physics students conduct an experiment with pendulums, Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz gets an idea of how newly-issued student laptops are being used in a lab setting Monday morning at South Putnam High School. Timing the experiment is Cloverdale High School student Nolan Maner, who takes AP Physics the neighboring high school.

With Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz in the house Monday morning, Principal Mike Schimpf was happy to showcase a number of classes already utilizing the new technology.

Ritz also seemed happy with what she saw, noting the kids were already actively engaged with the new technology on only their second day with it in hand.

A former librarian and media specialist, Ritz spent much of her career thinking about how new technology fit into the larger learning environment.

"Infusion of technology has always been my thing, It is ever-changing," Ritz said, adding that adults have to adjust to the changing conditions, so it is good for students to be introduced to new innovations.

Ritz worked visits to South Putnam and Central elementary into her schedule before getting back to Indianapolis for meetings.

The whirlwind visit of the high school included a brief tour of the library and the new technology center. Director of Curriculum and Technology Tona Gardner was happy to show off the new technology center, the site of a former computer lab now rendered redundant by each student in the high school being issued a Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga.

It was a way for Ritz to see the good that Department of Education is doing at the local level, as the 1:1 rollout was made possible by an Innovation Planning Grant and a Digital Learning Grant, both through the DOE Office of eLearning.

The tour featured visits to math, anatomy and physiology and physics classes, as well as the aquaculture lab.

The local administrators were also happy to see the early progress teachers and students are making.

"I'm glad to see that they're right on those (devices), already using them," Bernhardt said.

Getting a taste of the excitement surrounding the South Putnam agriculture program, Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz (right) gets a brief introdcution to the aquaculture lab from ag teacher Amanda King.

Gardner took a few moments to explain to Ritz the training teachers had already received on the new technology before it got into students' hands, with the district issuing devices to teachers a full semester early and providing paid professional development courses.

"It's not really optional anymore," Ritz said. "Integration of technology is something you have to do."

Following her visit to the high school and middle school, Ritz made her way over to Central as well, visiting several grade levels and even reading to the kindergarten class of Jan Swingley.

Ritz told the Banner Graphic she was pleased with what she saw Monday, noting that in addition to the technology aspect, she likes to focus on climate and culture, which she praised for the two schools.

She pointed out that 1:1 is a big emphasis in the Department of Education, which has hosted 25 elearning conferences in the last year.

She is also looking to address technology infrastructure concerns in the state, since the take-home aspect of 1:1 technology does little good if it's going to a home without internet access.

"I consider access to the internet just as important to infrastructure as roads and bridges," Ritz said. "It's our internet highway."

Nearing the end of her first term and seeking re-election, Ritz also addressed a policy point in this regard, saying she wants the state to address the lack of rural internet access in some parts of the state.

"I'll be putting forth some budget proposals to address what I call our 'digital divide,'" she said.

A Democrat, Ritz is facing Republican Jennifer McCormick in the Nov. 8 election.

Displaying one of the new Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga laptops for Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz (right), South Putnam High School Director of Curriculum and Technology Tona Gardner (left) also shows off the new technology center in the high school on Monday. Principal Mike Schimpf (center) had the chance to show Ritz a number of ways the new technology is being utilized.

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