Demmitt Elementary, a K-4 school, has been using the new technology throughout this school year and it has allowed the students and teachers to connect with classrooms in other states as well as with authors, zoos, museums and other organizations.
“Each cart has a wireless mouse and a keyboard, a projector, a web cam, microphone and a computer,” Dodds said. “We’ve made sure all the staff has been trained and they have already used the technology for science experiments and lessons from all over the country.”
Media specialist Beth Green began researching ways for the teachers and students to interact through Skype with other classrooms and organizations throughout the country. “Our second-graders are doing some distance learning programs with the Cincinnati Zoo,” Dodd said. “And last year we did some Skyping with an author from California before she visited us her in Ohio.”
Dodds is obviously excited about the technology, but he said it’s “old hat” to the kids, who have virtually grown up surrounded by it. After a recent interactive video session with Vandalia Fire Chief Chad Follick, Dodd asked some kindergarten parents if their students mentioned it to them. “The kids acted like it was nothing new.”
The VISIONS Foundation has been in nearly monthly contact with Dodds and the staff at Demmitt and is excited to see the outcome of its endowment grant. According to Margo Steinbaugh, a member of the VISIONS board, Dodds will be presenting at the sixth annual VISIONS benefit, IMAGINE, on Feb. 26, along with the other 2010 recipients.
Dodds and Greene are excited to share their “Windows to the World” at the Gala, but mostly, they know that it’s important for their students and teachers to have the technology for their use in the classrooms every day.
“We could never keep up with what’s going on in the world without keeping up with technology,” Dodds said. “Vandalia-Butler Schools are good about helping us but like any district the funds are limited. This endowment is helping our children have the best educational and real world experiences possible at a lower cost. It’s extremely valuable.
Green agrees. “I really think it’s made an impact,” she said. “The fire chief said when he did his video conference it was one of the best he’d ever had with the kindergartners. Their focus was amazing and it was another way to really key into the kids and get them excited about learning.”
Contact this columnist at (937) 475-8212 or banspach@woh.rr.com.
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