Marlborough -? Eight science teachers from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough will return to their classrooms this fall, ready, willing, and able to show their 9th and 10th grade students how to use their iPads to sharpen their science skills and, ultimately, pique their interests in careers where there are good jobs.
Recently, the teachers completed a three-day training session at the school where trainers from the International Society for Technology in Education showed teachers how to use the iPads in the classroom in a more effective way then simply conducting Google searches. For example, teachers were taught how to use microscopes and probes that attach to the iPads so that students can complete such tasks as examining cells and testing water and air samples.
The training sessions were funded with a grant from the Verizon Foundation, which has selected Assabet as one of 12 schools around the country (and the only one in Massachusetts) as one of the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools, designed to help educators more effectively and innovatively use technology to enhance student learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Assabet and the other 11 schools were selected because of their reputation for their technology curricula and commitment to STEM education.
The teachers are Jim DeBartolomeis, lead teacher in Assabet's science department; Alexia Frohan, chosen as the technology coach for the Verizon project; Randell Bartsch; Anna Conrad; Michael DeLuca; Amy Sibert; Pat Tobin; and Liane McGowan.
“We believe that our long term growth and success is tied to addressing some of society's biggest issues and we want to do our part to help students achieve,” said Verizon spokesman Phil Santoro. “Our company and our industry depend on a highly-educated, technology-based workforce.”
Last year Verizon piloted this program in some select schools and the results have been positive: technology use in the classroom has helped to engage students and get them excited about learning.
“We have long provided access to a wide range of digital content in STEM via our Thinkfinity.org website,” said Santoro. “So this year's program enables us to continue to leverage that rich interactive content through smart devices and help keep students engaged. There are many innovative ways to use mobile devices to drive interest and engagement among students and we believe technology is the solution that can play a role in making that connection.”
