More high-tech gadgets getting into hands of students
WLOX 13
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS – February 23, 2012 -- First, it was computers. Then came e-readers. Now, more high-tech gadgets are making their way into your child's classroom.
This year, the Ocean Springs School District went wireless, and every school has access to all sorts of mobile technology. The devices are changing the way students learn.
The times have certainly changed at Pecan Park Elementary School. The second graders in one class are learning how to tell time by using a Mimio Board. Lessons from a computer are projected onto a background, turning an ordinary dry erase board into an interactive one.
"It is like playing a video game," the teacher told the students.
Across the hall, another class is using Neo Boards.
"They love them. They enjoy it. It's like their own personal computer," said second grade teacher Ashley French.
Students use the Neo boards to take Accelerated Reading Tests, practice math drills, write stories, and take multiple choice quizzes. A graph on the device instantly shows how the students scored.
"Instant feedback, which is great! It lets me know how much more I need to do in my classroom to prepare these students," said French.
This year, Pecan Park also purchased six iPads as part of a test project. Teachers can download apps to help special education students and children in the remedial reading program.
"Technology has become a huge component for students and a huge motivator in student learning and so, of course, we want to bring that into the school to reach all students with multiple learning styles," said Assistant Principal Adelle Register.
The school is also trying out NOOKs and Kindles in the library. So far, the e-readers seem to be a big hit.
"It's fun to use, and you can read anytime you want. You don't have to get a book or a video," said fourth grader Georgia White.
And that's one of the goals behind the gadgets, to get students excited about learning. The technology director of the Ocean Springs School District said next year, she hopes to incorporate more mobile devices into the curriculum.