West Islip 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.
1. 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.
World Language Lab: although this is not totally new, we have done a major upgrade to our World Language Lab in the high school. In this computer based lab, students can digitize their responses to instruction and have interactive conversations in the various languages allowing the teacher to have a digital collection for authentic assessment of student work and progress in the language they are studying. We have also expanded the lab to include the ability for our extensive American Sign Language program through the use of webcams to capture student responses in a video format. This lab is dedicated for instruction for our World Language Program.
3D Printer for Technology Program: through a grant from our educational foundation, a 3D printer was purchased to enable students using AutoCad in various Technology Courses in Engineering and Drafting to print out 3D prototypes of their drawings. This printer allows students to touch and feel these models with their design concepts and have significantly enhanced the teaching and learning process.
2. Please tell us of any major innovations you are planning to introduce within the next year.
Over the next year, the West Islip School District, will be rolling out a districtwide SmartBoard initiative. We have been using SmartBoards provided through grants on a limited basis districtwide and have seen the benefit as it truly facilitates student engagement in learning.
The district is also beginning to pilot the use of iPads and various apps for use with Special Education.
3. Are teachers or students using cellphones in the district for instructional purposes?
Over the next year, the West Islip School District, will be rolling out a districtwide SmartBoard initiative. We have been using SmartBoards provided through grants on a limited basis districtwide and have seen the benefit as it truly facilitates student engagement in learning. The district is also beginning to pilot the use of iPads and various apps for use with Special Education.
