Priceville conducts technology search
Priceville High School hosted a technology bake off on Wed., July 24, as a first step to bring state-of-the-art technology to its students when they move to a new school in 2014-2015.
Four reputable technology manufacturers made presentations to a group of 10 teachers in separate one-hour sessions. As they demonstrated their products in a classroom setting, teachers interacted by using their I pads and other electronic devices and making notes of what they were experiencing.
Following a luncheon meeting, they conducted a brainstorming session based on what they had seen and heard and offered suggestions on what they’d like to have in their classrooms after the new school is built.
“We want to have the latest and best for the amount of money we have to spend,” said Lee Willis, director of technology for Morgan County Schools. “What we’ve been looking at are tables, chairs, projectors, LCD monitors, audio systems and student response systems and testing devices.”
“Each company here has brought in different products and shown how they can be used to drive instruction, said Chad Kelsoe, a science teacher.” It’s neat to see how each company appeals to a different teaching style. Our objective is to acquire the technology that best suits our students.
“We’ve seen equipment that can be used in a lot of different ways,” he pointed out. “The extent to which students are able to use their own devices to create a universal learning environment is amazing.”
eInstruction was one of companies that made a presentation. Regional field representative Jamie Maddox demonstrated the use of Insight 360, a platform that allows students to interact with their teacher, using their cell phones, clickers, I pads, Androids and other devices.