Techy Guru

Glacier Valley and the Tech We Have

- Three laptop carts packed with 24-30 Apple laptops each

- Apple computers in the library and classrooms

- Elmo devices for the classrooms

- Widescreen TVs for the classrooms (with cable accessibility)

- Sound distribution speaker systems installed in every classroom and audio system for the gym

- A Flip camera

- A digital still cameras

- A USB Probe Scope

- Alpha Smarts for grades 3-5 (except Mr. Wyatt with his kick @%* wireless Neo devices)

- Smartboard in the library

- Large projection screens in the commons with internet capabilities

These questions were posed to Mr. Ted Wilson, Principal of Glacier Valley

What kind of educational software programs are available for teachers to use?

            The laptops and most desktop computers are equipped with programs such as KidSpiration, Comic Life, Office Suite, iWorks, Garage Band, Google Earth, Accelerated Reader, Power School, e-mail program, Safari, and a program to record PALS data.  The desktop computers in one of our rooms are equipped with All the Right Type keyboarding program. 

What led you to be so proactive in integrating technology use in our school?

            When I was a freshman in high school (~1981) our school received a grant to be immersed in new technology that was available at the time.  This allowed me to experience how beneficial technology integration can be to one’s educational experience.  It gives teachers more instructional options.  When I arrived at Glacier Valley in 1997, there was some technology already available and shortly after I arrived here we had the opportunity to purchase more technology tools for our school so I got to be influential in deciding what would be beneficial for us to purchase.  I wanted wireless internet, the newest computers and laptops available and video and audio software.  Having a wireless system allows us to do things such as have off-site meetings.  Technology should be central in a school setting and making current technology available for students in school is important because it is a big draw for them.  Even with all of the technology we have, we are behind yet because of the new iPads, tablets, etc. available.  We do have four iPads being used in our special education department but they are not yet supported by the district so we are pioneering the idea in a sense. 

How were you able to obtain the technology tools that are now available in our school?

            In 1997 a bond issue was passed that allowed us to start purchasing some new technology tools.  Another bond issue was passed that allowed us to finish the purchases that we had already started.  A few years later the legislature approved money for us to use for more purchases.  Our school was then renovated which provided even more technology funds.  However, we do not yet know what our new sources of technology funds will be, we are still working on that.  Geoffrey Wyatt has written some smaller technology grants before and Laurie Heagy has experience writing grants for other things.

Why is technology important in a school setting?

            It involves the same idea as hooking kids up with outdoor education, art, drama, etc.  There are things that can be outside and/or integrated into the curriculum that hooks the interest of our students in what we are teaching.  Technology also allows us to extend the learning of those students that need it.  For example, when I was teaching, if students finished up a writing project early I would have them make a video or other kind of presentation to publish their work.

What has the students’ response been to technology integration in school?

            The students seem very comfortable with it.  Many Kindergarten students taking the MAPs tests are experiencing computers for the first time.  I have found that they can handle the track pad on a lap top much easier than a mouse for a desktop computer.  It seems that students are more open to integrating new forms of technology into their lives when they have been exposed to it at an early age.

What is your favorite technology tool to use?

            Probably the digital cameras because they give you almost instant results.  For example, you can take pictures in an activity you are doing with the students in the morning, print them out at lunch or on your prep, and have them available to use for an afternoon activity.  This allows for very engaging lessons and gives students first-hand experience with technology tools.

Reflection 

Overall I feel our interview with the tech guru of Glacier Valley was a very heartening experience.  Mr. Wilson had the privilege of being brought up in an integrated tech environment (at least as much as was possible back then) and has continued to work with tech throughout his years working in the school system.  As a result he has seen and experienced first-hand the positive aspects of technology integration and the wealth of opportunities it can bring to an educational setting.   By adding new and upcoming technological advances to the classroom setting a teacher will have an even more diverse arsenal of tools to work with.

            Tech integration also has the upside of appealing to a variety of learners and connecting them to the world in ways other methods can’t.  By using different technological tools students are able to actually see the bacteria that’s on their desks rather than just reading about them in textbooks.  Students are able to take pictures and map out their world, then share it with others across the world.  The possibilities are endless and it is really encouraging to see that the principal of Glacier Valley is fully supportive of tech integration in the classroom.

            One point of interest that was brought up is that while the interest may be there, funding for tech can be difficult to come by especially in economically difficult times.  Mr. Wilson brought to our attention the importance of good research and grant writing skills when attempting to get funding for many of the programs that we will use to better our students’ learning.