Schools going hi tech!

Science & Technology Information Technology, Gaming, Machines, Gadgets
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I’m so excited about my kids’ school all going hi tech! Well I’m sure all schools are doing that but I only can get excited about mine :D!

Here are few things that have been going on for a couple years now:

  • Smart Boards: Kids/teachers actually make and watch presentations using touch screen and remote devices in addition to the traditional chalk boards. You should see my 6 year old do a goal-setting presentation. It was awesome. She was so smooth and professional.

  • Computer Labs: They start computer classes at 1st grade. Learn keyboarding, yes, but using apps to do assignments, web browsing and research, and most importantly math and reading. This year, their school has developed an online portal where parents and kids register and can follow the child’s reading progress, sign their progress sheets, and is synced with the local library system.

  • Special Ed/Needs computer programs. These Kurzweil machines help translate text to speech. (Canadiandesigirl, I think I remember you mentioning that you’ve worked with these machines, right?)

I hear they’re working on adding basic programming lessons in higher grades; I think some schools already have that in place. And another neat program I found out about is with Microsoft which provides junior apprenticeships to tech oriented kids. I think I’m going to take a serious look at this one!

Share what you have going or what you know about!

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Re: Schools going hi tech!

Oh wow, that's fantastic stuff! My younger sister her school has had smart board for a while now. They also have a computer lab but depending on the teacher they do research, math/sci exercises etc.

Kurzweil is a software we provide for students at my work (proctoring accommodated exams at uni). Kurzweil reads out pdf files - so when we get exams we scan them and make a pdf file (doesn't open .doc or .docx files). It's provided for students who have visual impairment and students who have trouble reading etc. Zoom text is another great program. It not only zooms into the computer screen but says every task is being performed on the computer. EG if start menu is clicked the programs says that so even if the person can't see what they clicked on they hear it. Again great for visual impairment - although a little off-topic.

Which grades are they adding programming to? Its offered at high school already here. I guess offering it earlier would introduce it to kids earlier to make the decision to go into programming or not.

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Re: Schools going hi tech!

Middle school I hear. I need to find out more details and make sure my kid is totally involved. I may go volunteer there and learn some myself. Also need to check out the MS programs for kids.