Franklin Square School District technology questionnaire

These are the replies from some districts to the Newsday questionnaire regarding the use of new technologies in their classrooms.

Some of the answers are elaborate, and have not been edited or reduced. Some districts did not answer the questions directly.

Please list any major technological innovations introduced in the classroom in the past three years. Please give the name and list the use for each item.

1.Promethean ActivBoards- We currently have a total of 81 interactive whiteboards used for 21st century instruction in K-6 classrooms throughout the three district elementary schools.

2.Smart Tables- Total of 7 Smart Tables used for hands-on learning experiences for children with disabilities to promote visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning.

3.Apple iPads- Currently piloting with students experiencing a wide variety of speech disorders to help promote speech development through specific applications such as ProloQuo2go.

4.Dynavox Augmentative Communication Devices- Used as a positive and effective form of verbal communication for Autistic students who may otherwise not be able to communicate with others.

5. Updated computer labs- Teachers are working with younger students to utilize many web-based applications and resources available for student learning. Students are also learning proper keyboarding skills and in particular, a "kid friendly" version of the Microsoft Office applications, Scholastic Keys for Kids.

6. Mobile Laptop Carts- Although introduced approx 4-5 years ago, classroom teachers are moving away from MS Office based applications for student learning and are now using many of the web 2.0 Applications such as goanimate4schools.com and howbigreally.com to promote critical thinking skills.