Technology in the Classroom.

Classrooms have changed a lot since we were kids. We remember taking blackboard erasers outside to clap out the chalk dust on the side of the school and now our kids are using wands to work software magic on “white boards”.

Technology is changing how students learn and opening up a world of possibilities and potential—especially for kids struggling with disadvantages that too often lead to frustration. One of Henrico’s own teachers has been recognized for using cutting edge education software in her kindergarten class to engage our youngest students in active learning.

“ActivPrimary” is the name of the software that allows teachers like Judy Christopher of Henry D. Ward Elementary to create lessons rich with images, sounds, and motion on an interactive screen that makes kids participants in their instruction. This new technology does not take the place of more traditional classroom experiences, it complements and reinforces them.

If you’ve never seen a “white board” lesson in action, then follow this link to “View Lesson” and watch Ms. Christopher and her kindergarten class explore the world of butterflies and frogs while also learning math and writing skills. You really have to see it to believe it!

Communities around the country are discovering that integrating technology into their classrooms is a crucial component of progress for individual kids and whole school systems. Ms. Christopher notes that a student who was unable to form the alphabet on paper soon could proudly write his name using the child-sized wand on the white board.

A charter school in Ohio went from an “Academic Emergency” rating to a “Continuous Improvement” rating by state Department of Education standards in just two years with the help of the same technology.

School must be a source of excitement and hope, not discouragement, to a child. Great teachers provided with the right tools ignite that excitement and hope and set our kids on the path to achievement and success.

As your School Board representative I will make sure that Henrico County Public Schools bring together the best teaching traditions and innovations so that every child looks forward to learning and every school is an example of excellence.

Sincerely,

John Montgomery

 

Paid for and authorized by John Montgomery.