Technology In Our Schools
The green apple signifies the district’s One-on-One Apple Laptop initiative dedicated in memory of graduate Kristin Green.
iPad Technology Fulfills Special Needs
The district is at the forefront of integrating instructional technology tools into the curriculum. Most recently, the district’s special education department introduced iPads into speech therapy sessions and small group work to enhance lessons and engage students.
In conjunction with the SMART Board and SMART Table technologies, students are able to work together, practice tactile learning and build social skill sets. Speech therapists throughout the district work one-on-one with autistic students on the iPad as they explore educational websites and utilize academic applications. During class, students interact with one another and collaborate on lessons, which are guided by technology-based programs.
MacBooks Provide a Foundation for Innovation in Deer Park
Following the successful implementation of the one-to-one student laptop initiative for fifth graders at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, the district has expanded the program to include sixth-grade students. The district now employs approximately 700 Apple MacBooks, which both grade levels will utilize throughout the school year to enhance curriculum and aid in research.
Personal MacBooks were distributed to all students at the end of September, at which time teachers began incorporating the instructional technology tools into their lesson plans. Students now have the opportunity to explore academic websites, design interactive presentations and expand their general knowledge. In addition, teachers will be able to streamline classroom activities through electronic assessments and encourage collaborative learning.
The current sixth-grade class was introduced to the laptops last year and will continue to advance their skills, while fifth-grade students will learn how to best use the latest educational resource provided by the district. Fifth-grade teachers completed Apple Training last year; this year, Robert Frost Middle School sixth-grade teachers became proficient with the software and applications prior to the sixth-grade distribution.
“As leaders in educational technology, the Deer Park School District is committed to developing the technological skills of our students,” stated District Administrator for Instructional Technology, Data Warehousing and Information Andrew Choi. “Teachers are seamlessly integrating the MacBooks into classroom lessons and bringing innovative concepts, images and information into our learning environment.”
Language Across the District
The district’s schools came together to explore language at the World Languages Videoconference. High School French, Spanish and Italian students developed interactive lessons, which were Skyped to elementary classrooms at May Moore and John Quincy Adams Elementary.
World Languages students created posters, which were used as visual aids to introduce students to new languages through educational skits and songs. Elementary students participated in the lessons by answering questions and completing activity worksheets.
To culminate the World Languages program the high school students will visit the elementary schools in March and provide personal instruction on basic language curriculum.
Pictured below, High School World Languages students used Skype technology to connect with and teach district elementary students at John Quincy Adams.
Students Connect Using Technology
The high school and May Moore Elementary School combined instructional technology tools and educational resources to provide students districtwide with a unique learning opportunity. In a program coined “Bridging SMARTBoards Across the District,” students at the high school had the ability to connect with younger students to complete joint lessons. High school students in Jill Perry-Eising’s business class interacted with Susan Steinman’s second-grade students, creating a virtual classroom experience.
To culminate the elementary curriculum unit on money, high school students directed a variety of activities focused on coins. Students worked together using SMARTBoards, MacBooks and Document and Web Cameras to solve problems that covered different money topics, which increased in difficulty and complexity.
High school students first instructed elementary students on the skills necessary to complete each task. Working individually as well as a team, elementary students displayed their work on the SMARTBoards through the use of visual aids such as coin images, cash registers and piggy banks.
Students Receive Personal Technology for Advanced Learning
The district launched its fifth-grade one-on-one laptop program with the deployment of Apple MacBooks for every student. The innovative program, coined “Kristin Green Apple of Our Eye Initiative,” was dedicated in memory of Class of 2007 graduate Kristin Green and equips students with tools for 21st century learning.
John F. Kennedy Intermediate students, accompanied by an adult, arrived at their school and received a personal MacBook from fifth-grade teachers and district administrators. Students secured their laptops with protective covers for transport and everyday use and completed the registration process in the school’s computer lab. Apple employees were on hand to assist students with their initial log-in and reviewed the standard installed software. In addition, students received a MacBook gift bag complete with power charger, memory card and other computer accessories.
The next school day students brought their laptops to class and began using the technology to support academic research and lesson plans. Teachers tailored their lessons to create an interactive learning environment in all curricular areas. Students had the ability to solve math problems utilizing visual aids, create literary logs and explore multi-media presentations. To support the use of the laptops teachers combined instructional technology tools such as SMARTBoards and projectors to enhance learning.
Prior to introducing the program, all students and parents of fifth-graders were required to attend a training workshop facilitated by Apple professionals to review topics such as the Required Use Policy, MacBook Care and Internet Safety.
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Model Classrooms & Elementary Students
District teachers have integrated the instructional technology tools of the district’s Model Classroom program into the elementary curriculum. Utilizing the new technologies within the classroom, teachers have developed innovative ways for students to interact with the tools throughout the day.
The SMART Board and accompanying document camera are a way for students to display and share their work with classmates as teachers guide lessons. Instantly transposing information from a worksheet or assignment, students can present materials as well as work together on problem-solving activities.
The classroom set of iPod Touches help to facilitate one-on-one and group work. A variety of applications allow students to complete literacy lessons and view science videos. By attaching a microphone accessory to the iPod Touch, students are able to create educational videos based on their written work and teachers are able to present curriculum topics through audio-visual methods.
In addition, the new technologies have facilitated peer-based learning. To assist English as a Second Language (ESL) students in learning the sounds of the alphabet, proficient students recorded themselves completing sound exercises on the iPod Touches and share the portable audio aids with ESL students.
The classroom MacBook serves as a hub for all educational projects and its software lets lessons come alive. Through iMovie, students have the ability to animate their words and illustrations with audio-visual presentations. Teachers and students collaborate on the production and editing of student and class work content.
All of the upcoming and completed assignments, projects and curriculum areas are showcased on classroom eBoards. The eBoard is a valuable resource for students and parents providing review and supplemental information.
MacBook Memorial
Further demonstrating its strong commitment to providing students with the tools necessary for success, the district is launching its latest initiative in instructional technology with an Apple MacBook program designed for fifth-grade students. Beginning this school year students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School will receive a personal MacBook, which will be used throughout the year to enhance curriculum and support lesson plans.
This program is dedicated to the memory of Deer Park School District Class of 2007 graduate Kristin Green and will be known as the “Kristin Green Apple of Our Eye Initiative.” Kristin, a valued employee of the Apple Company, was killed in a tragic car accident this past summer. An academic standout, Kristin’s passion for technology drove her success within the classroom and her career.
Prior to introducing the program to students, parents of all fifth-graders were required to attend a training workshop facilitated by Apple professionals to review topics such as the Required Use Policy, MacBook Care and Internet Safety. Students are expected to start using their MacBooks in October, after they complete classroom training sessions. During the school year, fifth-grade students will use their MacBooks to conduct research projects and educationally-directed assignments and to design interactive presentations.
A Model for Innovative Technology
The district has developed and implemented the Model Classroom program and its resources in schools throughout the district. Model Classrooms were introduced into the district during the 2009-2010 school year and created an interactive learning environment for students, which are equipped with technology-based instructional tools. All materials included in the program are available for district teachers to use in order to enhance their lessons.
Sixteen teachers were selected to lead the program after completing an extensive application process, which was reviewed by a committee, Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen and District Administrator for Technology Dr. Jared Bloom. Prior to the start of the school year these teachers attended two days of intensive training and will participate in monthly meetings during the school year to review and enhance student performance. In addition, these teachers are required to facilitate a minimum of four professional development trainings in their building to mentor district staff on the proper way to utilize technology as a means of enhancing learning opportunities for students.
Located in Deer Park High School, Robert Frost Middle School, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Elementary and May Moore Elementary Schools, every Model Classroom contains a wide-range of cutting-edge technology, including:
* MacBook
* iPod Touch
* Document Camera
* SMART Board
* Airliner/Slate
* Set of Smart Responders
* Video Camera
