Published: October 28, 2009 02:17 pm      

New technologies designed to supplement learning

Joshua ISD campuses will have the benefit of new interactive technologies this school year, with the implementation of SMART devices, data projectors, and mobile computer labs.

The most extensive project is the installation of SMART interactive white boards and data projectors in all elementary classrooms.

Title I stimulus funds are being used for the purchases at Caddo Grove Elementary, Elder Elementary, Plum Creek Elementary, and Staples Elementary.

State technology allotment funds are being used for North Joshua Elementary.

The state technology allotment is the money received by the district each year for technology purchases. Interactive white boards and data projectors have been ordered and are expected to arrive soon.

SMART boards are large white boards that use touch technology.

A projector is used to display a computer’s video output onto the whiteboard, which then acts as a huge touch screen.

Airliner slates work in a similar way to the SMART board but are portable and can be passed from teacher to student anywhere in the classroom.

Placing stationary SMART boards in elementary classrooms is a better way for younger students to manipulate objects and to provide more hands-on learning.

Airliner slates are being provided on the secondary level to allow more mobility and the eventual ability to use more than one wireless slate at a time in each classroom.

Part of the funds will also be used for train-the-trainer sessions with SMART.

Trainers from the SMART company will come to the district to train two to four teachers from each campus who will then return to share the training with their individual campuses.

“I have provided interactive white board support for the teachers up to this point, but I am also looking forward to the additional SMART training these funds will make available to us,” said Patty Webb, JISD instructional technologist.

Other technology projects taking place in the district this year include the installation of data projectors in additional high school classrooms, with plans in place to install projectors in remaining classrooms as funding allows.

Additionally, Airliner slates will be purchased for secondary teachers who expressed interest in being the first to receive them.

The new Loflin Middle school will also have a mounted projector in every classroom.

Stimulus and technology allotment funds are also being used to purchase “Mini COW,” or “Computer on Wheels,” for Joshua High School, Loflin Middle School, Caddo Grove Elementary, Elder Elementary, North Joshua Elementary, Plum Creek Elementary, and Staples Elementary.

A “Mini COW”is a mobile computer cart containing 30 HP mini-notebook computers and charging stations for each computer.

The laptops will connect to the Internet wirelessly and can be rolled from room to room. Teachers will be able to use the mobile labs for Internet lessons and computer projects with their students.

“We are happy that we are able to provide this technology for JISD staff and students,” said Margaret Johnson, director of technology. “This is a valuable tool that teachers will be able to use to enhance learning in their classrooms.”