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October 17, 2007
Tennessee takes notePosted by Christina Gordon, NSBA Staff, at 11:30 AM | Site Visit | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Yesterday's site visit to Rutherford County Schools caught the eye of some local media. This article in The Daily News Journal chronicles the visit and notes the outstanding use of technology in the district.
Stewarts Creek Elementary Principal Richard Zago said his school and the neighboring middle school are leading the way in technology as both schools are wireless. Two years ago, Rutherford County Schools completed a 15-year plan that put computers in each classroom. A breakdown of instructional technology spending for the current and the last two years was not available from the school system Tuesday afternoon.When the system learned the conference would be held in Nashville, Zago said he and middle school Principal Larry Creasy volunteered to show off what's happening at their schools.
Stewarts Creek offers a variety of technology innovations for students to explore. "In addition to a 32-inch television and DVD/VCR combo, each classroom in the Stewarts Creek complex is equipped with a ceiling-mounted projector, remote mouse, iPod and at least five computers. Each grade level has access to a Classroom Performance System (CPS), which allows students to answer questions with the use of a remote control."
Having this technology available to students and teachers offers a rich and varied experience. "'A teacher will also do their job with what they have, but it's nice because it provides so many more opportunities for the student,' [teacher Trey Duke] said, shortly after guiding his fifth-graders through a writing exercise using Reading for Meaning software. The on-screen tutorial showed students how to find the main ideas and supporting details in a story."
What innovative approach is your district taking? Did you attend the site visit yesterday? Leave us a comment and tell us all about it.
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