A one hundred million dollar bond was passed last year to improve things around the district. One of those things is to improve school technology, teachers recently got new equipment like new ipads, apple tv, and mac minions. With these improvements they aim to improve student learning.
Some teachers feel as though different technology should have been selected
“I think the new tech that teachers got (iPads and mac minis to an Apple TV) are an improvement by far to what we had to start with. The way that we can just mirror our screens to the projector has been very helpful for me and allows me to move around in my classroom,” Rebecca Radiel, technology teacher, said. “I think teachers should have been given a Macbook vs an iPad so it is easier to work on for all types of teachers in education, but overall I am happy we are moving forward.”
Others say that the timing of the implementation of the technology could have been better.
“I think it is a good step for our school to take, but I believe teachers struggled with the implementation happening in the middle of the school year,” Avery Andersen, 9th grade English teacher.
Many feel getting the technology is beneficial for teachers.
“It’s powerful,” Frank Bell, GEHS principal. “My favorite thing they received is an iPad that connects with their new desktop and it allows them to walk/pace their class while controlling the presentation(s) in their classrooms.”
Some teachers are hoping to find a way of using the new technology.
“There is a steep learning curve,” Kim Bartels, English, said. “But I hope that it will eventually be a part of more effective and efficient teaching methods in the classroom.”
But is this new technology better or is old technology better?
“That is a tricky question — I think it depends on what you are using the technology for and if there is a reason to update the systems,” Radiel said. “Sometimes I think no technology is the right answer while other days I rely on the newer versions to get me through our computer science lessons. Technology is a tool, it is not the end all be all.”
Some teachers think that both are good.
“Both are good, the new technology just takes some getting used to! I like a lot of the features on the iPad though I miss the usefulness of the Chromebook.” said Andersen
Other like old technology better because it is easier to use.
“I was more comfortable and far more well versed and experienced with the old technology, so I am hoping that with some training and some how to videos and maybe a list of the Mac “experts” in the building, I can develop my skill set on the new technology soon.” Said Bartels
Most teachers prefer new technology since it can improve learning.
“In almost every case, new technology is better. The hard part is learning what the new technology can do. All of us get comfortable with what we have, and then change is hard.” said Bell. “There’s a learning curve, and then we become happier when we get comfortable with the new. Then it’s time to change again.”
Does these new items bring problems with them?
“There are issues with any type of new technology; training, software updates, security measures, ergonomics etc. But I do think that training is typically the biggest issue you hear about; user errors. We know what we know, we like what we like — and not getting good quality training on new tech can be very frustrating for people,” Radiel said. “Everyone learns differently– so taking a 1 stop shop approach just doesn’t work. It is important to meet people where they are and give options for learning which sometimes I think we rush through.”
Some teachers think that problems are learning process.
“All change brings problems as we get used to them, and all technology has its faults, but I enjoy the new tech and use it as well as I am able to prepare my students.” said Andersen.
Others think that the school should have provided training.
“The training should have been more robust, particularly for many members of the faculty who had never really used Mac products at all before the changeover was completed,” Bartels said. “Additionally, making the change mid-year may not have been the most efficient or effective way to roll out this new technology. But again, I am hopeful that with proper training, information, and time. I can develop my skills with the new technology to best serve my students.”
But everything new brings new problems with it, like glitches and other major problems.
“The training and comfortability of the staff are probably the largest ‘problems’. Our district office has discovered a few tech-glitches that have been fixed,” Bell said. “But in the real-time moments, it’s frustrating to wait on technology. It has really become a real-time functionality expectation – and we’re not very patient when we can’t move from point A to point B quickly.”
