Journal #2 - Extreme Makeover: School Edition - NETS 2, 3 & 5

(Please note that this is a replacement article, as I chose not to use the one assigned.)

Camhi, S.L. (2010). Extreme makeover: school edition. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201002#pg14

"How the 2009 Sylvia Charp Award Winner used Technology to Transform a once Struggling School District"

In 2005, Glen Cove School District was struggling, had low test scores, and had been put on a watch list for the state of New York. Additionally, they were restricted from buying new equipment and their infrastructure fell apart.

The new superintendent was responsible for researching the components of technology for the district, including technical, administrative and instructional aspects. She decided the first place to start was determining the district's instructional philosophy.

The superintendent determined that the district's goals were to help students develop deep understanding and foster natural curiosity. The district decided that to meet these goals they needed to differentiate instruction based on interest and ability. They further decided to use technology to spur kids' creativity and innovation.

In order to build the new infrastructure for the district, the following steps were taken:

• Distributed technology based on curriculum and students' interests (10 science classrooms may have 10 different types of technology).
• Provided school libraries with housing area for technology that can be checked out.Started with a new computer in each classroom and brought every teacher into 21st century (restored administrative functionality).
• Trained new teachers on a three year program; they learned about multiple forms of technology.
• Required teachers to identify technology’s use and integrate it into their lesson plans.
• Provided ability for students to have a TV studio, interactive whiteboards/projectors, digital document cameras, computer stations on wheels, music synthesizers and much more. 

Ultimately the plan worked. Student test scores, attendance, passing rates, graduation rates and college acceptances are up. Additionally, teacher morale is up and students are more excited about learning in a technology based environment.

How does technology aid in engaging students and providing differentiated instruction?

After reading this article, I believe that the use of technology is essential in helping excite students about schoolwork and aiding in differentiation. The school placed a variety of technology such as whiteboards, computer response pads and digital video into classrooms rather than a homogeneous set of computers in each classroom. This allowed students with different learning styles to engage in activities based on their strengths and interests. In turn, their excitement about what they were doing as well as their retention increased dramatically. As the mother of three boys, I understand that every child has a different learning style. One of my children may find interest in a web-cam assignment because he is allowed to use "cool" equipment and walk around. Another of my sons would enjoy completing a puzzle on the computer. The bottom line is that children love technology and it is more fun than a pencil, paper and worksheets!

What is the key to success in embracing technology as an everyday part of school curriculum?

Teacher training is the key to success with a program like the one described in the article. If teachers know how to use the technology in the classroom, obviously they will use it more often. The teachers in Glen Cove School District were not only trained with the technology, but were required to integrate it into their lesson plans. Putting theory into practice proved successful for this school district.