Touched by Technology |
What is Touched by Technology? B.E.S.T. has committed to fully-integrating our public schools with the most effective teaching technology available. In 2006 B.E.S.T. launched a campaign to raised $180,000 to provided laptop computers to every classroom teacher and SMART Boards™ with LCD projectors in every classroom. We are proud to announce that as of June of 2008 we reached our goal. The installation of the new technology will be completed this fall.
Touched by Technology FAQ
What is a SMART Board? It is an interactive tool that can bring learning to life in the classroom. The SMART Board is a whiteboard that is connected to a computer. Once the computer image is projected on the board, the SMART Board can be used as a computer. By just using your finger you can control it. This interactive tool not only increases student participation, it also brings a new sense of comradeship to classes. Public schools including Concord-Carlisle and Weston, and private schools including Shore Country Day School are using SMART technology in their classrooms.
Top Ten Reasons Why Our Children Will Benefit from This Technology: |
1. The tool is exciting for both students and teachers, putting the world at their fingertips. It allows for spontaneous research, incorporating software that’s available thorough the schools or web sites online. 2. The interactive electronic whiteboard is a colorful tool. Research indicates that students respond to displays where color is employed, and markings can be customized to display a number of different colors. 3. The board can accommodate different learning styles. Tactile learners can benefit from touching and marking at the board, visual learners can see what is taking place as it develops at the board, and audio learners can benefit from the class discussion. 4. All ages of students respond favorably to board use. Interactive whiteboards were originally used in the business world for group meetings. As they have gained popularity in schools, teachers have reported success with the youngest learners through students in academic settings. 5. Classrooms can maximize the use of computer access by using the whiteboard. While it is true that acquiring the board and the projector is an expense, the use of this set-up can be viewed as a cost-cutter when it makes it possible for one computer to serve multiple students. 6. Students with limited motor skills can enjoy board use. Because of large format, it may be easier for students to run programs by tapping on the board rather than mouse clicking. 7. It is interactive. The interaction that transpires between the person at the computer, the users at the board, and the computer itself is a unique and very adaptable arrangement. 8. It can interface well with other peripherals. Boards can be used to display images from a document camera, a video camera or scanned images. 9. The board is great for lessons where the participants need printed copies. At the end of a teaching session, for example, copies of the resulting document can be printed and distributed, or saved for future work. 10. It is a kid magnet! Kids of all ages are drawn to the board. |
What can I do to help bring technology to Boxford’s elementary schools? Now that our technology has been installed we need to provide our teachers with proper training to make the most of the new technology. We also still have staff who do not have the benefit of laptops in planning and implementing their curriculum. Families and businesses may sponsor or co-sponsor laptop computers for our schools. You can help by donating today! All donations are tax deductible and if your employer offers a “gift matching” program be sure to take advantage of that. |