Many adults today will admit that their children know more about
computers or cell phones than they do, and Lake Avenue Elementary
School has picked up on this cue.
Kristen Passaretti's fifth grade class is taking part in a pilot program this year that integrates a "cellular computer" into classroom learning, a way to get new technology into the classroom. These hand-held computers are actually discontinued Verizon smartphones, with the telephone and text messaging capabilities disabled and educational programs added onto the computer.
"We've been using these in all classes just like a textbook. It's just another learning tool," Passaretti said.
Her class began using the cellular computers in January and is the only class in the Capital Region to pilot the computers for classroom use.
"Students were using more technology on the bus on the way to or from school than in the classroom, and that just didn't add up," said James Nair, Elementary Instructional Technologist at the Saratoga Springs City School District.
Passaretti said that the program was launched to see if the popular devices could serve a productive purpose in the classroom. Most children today have access to cell phones, so why not have them learn something from them as well?
"They are really enthusiastic about it," she said. "So far we are pleased with the results. The kids are excited to use them and are actually better at it than I am."
She added that what took her about four hours to learn took the students 45 minutes.
On Wednesday, Passaretti's math class learned fractions and performed math problems on their cellular computers, and then "synched" their problems to her cellular computer allowing her access to the students' work. Not only are the students advancing their math and technology skills, they are saving paper making the class more eco-friendly.
Nearly 30 cellular computers were provided to the school by Verizon Wireless as well as wireless access so the handheld computers can access the Internet and synch with the teacher's computer. The computers can even interface with the SMART Board, an interactive white board which replaces the now-ancient chalk boards. A SMART Board connects to the computer and displays the computer home screen on the board with touch-access to the programs usually accessible with the click of a mouse. On the SMART Board, teachers can write with a "pen," erase with the hand and access other applications with a touch of a finger, all without going back to the home computer to use the mouse.
As Mrs. Passaretti teaches a lesson on adding and subtracting fractions, the students could be heard saying "Whoa, this is cool!" and "This is more fun that using paper." Some students even gave Mrs. Passaretti advice on how to navigate the program more efficiently.
"You can just press the 'X' and it'll erase," one student said.
"Yes, that's right. Thank you," Mrs. Passaretti answered.
The program will be reviewed in June, at which point school and district officials will decide if they want to expand the program to other grades. Currently Passaretti's class is the only one participating, but they are integrating the use of the cellular computers into their math, social studies, science and English lessons.
"What's really great about this program is not only are the kids really into it, but it provides instant feedback for the teacher as well," Passaretti said. "It's hard to keep the kids away from them so far, and they are always excited when they know we'll be using them in class that day. I think that this will definitely be part of learning in the future."
"We've been using these in all classes just like a textbook. It's just another learning tool," Passaretti said.
Her class began using the cellular computers in January and is the only class in the Capital Region to pilot the computers for classroom use.
"Students were using more technology on the bus on the way to or from school than in the classroom, and that just didn't add up," said James Nair, Elementary Instructional Technologist at the Saratoga Springs City School District.
Passaretti said that the program was launched to see if the popular devices could serve a productive purpose in the classroom. Most children today have access to cell phones, so why not have them learn something from them as well?
"They are really enthusiastic about it," she said. "So far we are pleased with the results. The kids are excited to use them and are actually better at it than I am."
She added that what took her about four hours to learn took the students 45 minutes.
On Wednesday, Passaretti's math class learned fractions and performed math problems on their cellular computers, and then "synched" their problems to her cellular computer allowing her access to the students' work. Not only are the students advancing their math and technology skills, they are saving paper making the class more eco-friendly.
Nearly 30 cellular computers were provided to the school by Verizon Wireless as well as wireless access so the handheld computers can access the Internet and synch with the teacher's computer. The computers can even interface with the SMART Board, an interactive white board which replaces the now-ancient chalk boards. A SMART Board connects to the computer and displays the computer home screen on the board with touch-access to the programs usually accessible with the click of a mouse. On the SMART Board, teachers can write with a "pen," erase with the hand and access other applications with a touch of a finger, all without going back to the home computer to use the mouse.
As Mrs. Passaretti teaches a lesson on adding and subtracting fractions, the students could be heard saying "Whoa, this is cool!" and "This is more fun that using paper." Some students even gave Mrs. Passaretti advice on how to navigate the program more efficiently.
"You can just press the 'X' and it'll erase," one student said.
"Yes, that's right. Thank you," Mrs. Passaretti answered.
The program will be reviewed in June, at which point school and district officials will decide if they want to expand the program to other grades. Currently Passaretti's class is the only one participating, but they are integrating the use of the cellular computers into their math, social studies, science and English lessons.
"What's really great about this program is not only are the kids really into it, but it provides instant feedback for the teacher as well," Passaretti said. "It's hard to keep the kids away from them so far, and they are always excited when they know we'll be using them in class that day. I think that this will definitely be part of learning in the future."
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