NORWICH – After the kick-off of a new school building, students and faculty are bracing for a year centered on technology use in the classroom, with a bigger push for more student-centered tech projects that prepare students for higher education and other opportunities in the 21st Century.
Peter Somich, the district director of information services, stressed that his department’s focus this year will be on integrating already available technology into the school’s common core curriculum. Coming off the completion the school’s multi-million dollar expansion project, all classrooms encompassing the Norwich School District are up to speed when it comes to available technology, Somich said, and the school is currently embarking on year three of a five-year technology plan.
There are no plans to include any new technologies in the school’s curriculum this year, Somich said, noting the common students’ proficiency when it comes to technology use. “This year, we want to try to engage students to use more of the technology we already have ... Our main goal is to provide teachers and students with what they need in the process.”
Tech related projects students can expect to work on this year invoke more use of Smart Boards (an interactive white board that’s available in every classroom), multimedia tools and internet-based research projects, Somich explained. According to the district’s technology plan, the district maintains 1,300 computers, with 60 different servers and 175 multi-media classrooms with sound, video projection, document cameras, presentation computers and cameras.
“The biggest benefit of integrating technology is that it can capture the students’ attention and increase their desire to learn the course material,” stated high school business teacher Greg Bonczkowski. Of the five classes Bonczkowski is teaching this year, all use integrated technology daily, he added. “It’s a good way to draw them in and enhance their learning on particular subjects ... It’s an essential tool that they need to learn how to utilize. I think it’s important that a student leaving high school, weather they plan to enter the work force or go on to college, know how to use it effectively.”
In addition to teaching in the conventional classroom setting, Bonczkowski is also facilitating an online class in the Norwich City Schools’ first attempt of online distance learning, meaning students from other districts in the DCMO BOCES region will be taking a class completely online, using online video conferencing that allows them to see and hear what’s displayed on Bonczkowski’s computer and the classroom Smart Board, and convene with other students taking the course.
“It’s the first time that someone has tried this in our school district,” Bonczkowski said. “I’m interested to see how it works and I think it will be successful.”
Of course, students won’t be the only ones to benefit from technology this year, said Somich. Teachers will be using a program that allows them to share lessons and ideas instantly with all other teachers in all three buildings of the school district. Whereas teachers use to meet in small groups to share information when it was convenient, this program – first implemented last year – is a great way for teachers across the board to communicate, he added.
The district’s technology plan expires at the end of the school year. When the department collaborates for a new plan, Somich said more efforts will be made to tie technology use into the state’s new core curriculum.