Technology enhances school

By Toni Wayas, Superintendent,

Toshiba representative Elizabeth Barden visited Congress Elementary School recently.

Congress Elementary School

This school year Congress Elementary School is enjoying the innovative learning opportunities created by tablet personal computers.

The Congress School Board, Pat Fisher, Jim Thompson and Sergio Horcos, have been committed to bringing the world to the students of Congress through technology. Because of that commitment, every student in grades third through eighth has their own laptop computer. On a daily basis, students complete writing assignments, do research, complete presentations, access software learning and assessment programs on their computers. Teachers strive to integrate technology into all content areas.

This year students in fifth and seventh grades were introduced to tablet personal computers. These computers allow the students to write on their computers. Tablets combine the physical world with the technological world. Now students write their notes on the computers and save them to their filing system. All assignments are e-mailed between students and teachers. Since the stylus (writing tool) can write in different colors, teachers can grade an assignment in different colors, return papers for instant correction by the students. No longer do the students need paper folders. All the work, notes, and assignments are contained in their organized tablet folders. Tablets are teaching organization and accountability.

Students in the fifth grade enthusiastically say that they like doing homework now. One student comment was, “I want more homework because it is fun doing it on the computers.” Another student stated, “Our desks are cleaner because we don’t use paper. The two classes are going green.”

The tablets also allow each student to have the ability to interact with software programs through touch and voice. The learning possibilities are endless. The Toshiba Company sent a representative from California to visit the school recently. Congress Elementary School is the first public elementary school in Arizona using tablet computers.

“We’re thrilled that Congress School District chose to introduce Toshiba Tablet PCs as an element of their technology initiative, and look forward to reviewing how the introduction of this technology provided the opportunity to enhance the way teachers teach and students learn,” said Dan Rosensteel, vice president public sector, Toshiba Digital Products Division. “We’re confident that the increased functionality and flexibility available with the tablet platform will add a new and improved dimension to the district’s current highly successful standard notebook program.”

The success of integrating technology into education and implementing innovative technology in creative ways is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of the staff. Although it would be easy to become overwhelmed by the technological learning expected, the teachers embrace the challenge. They spend much extra time creating activities and organizing learning to include technology.

With the commitment of the school board, the staff, the students and the support of the parents and community, Congress Elementary School continues the innovative approach to education.

Print this story

Email this story

Click ads for more information