Schools Become High Tech

Sept. 19, 2007 — -- Lugging around bulky textbooks, wiping chalkboard residue off your hands, lining up for boring P.E. drills — all these ubiquitous schoolhouse images have become things of the past as cutting-edge technology transforms everything from the classroom to the cafeteria to the gymnasium.

Take Ardsley Middle School in Ardsley, N.Y. The school has computer-driven SMART Boards in several of its classrooms. These devices digitally project animated images that can be manipulated with the touch of a hand or written on with digital "ink."

While it may take some getting used to, the technology has had a positive effect on class time, according to Martha Snegroff, who has taught science for 42 years and currently teaches at Ardsley.

"It was intimidating at first, but … having the technology just has enhanced teaching. And, for me, it's made it a lot more enjoyable," Snegroff said.

According to research by the Software and Information Industry Association, 78 percent of teachers view technology in the classroom as an asset.

One reason why? Today's computer-savvy kids find these high-tech classrooms more motivating and fun, Snegroff said.

"Even a shy student I often notice volunteers, raises his hand, because he feels comfortable with the material and with using the devices and going up and participating," she said.

Her students agree.

"I love the fact that as technology progresses, it becomes more and more interactive," student Daniel Cohen said. "And I think it's just a really great way for students to learn."

In addition to the SMART Board, another piece of new technology has been added to Ardsley classrooms. There is no need for paper when it comes to the dreaded pop quiz; rather, students use the Senteo Interactive Response system.

With the small remote control-like device, students punch in their answers. The hand-held gadgets then feed the information to the computer and tabulate instantaneous results. Using cool graphs and charts, the teacher can track the progress of the whole class.