HAMPTON — Centre School second-grade students rolled out the red carpet for their own film screening last month and programmed robots, thanks to new technologies being incorporated into their learning.
The students created their own films on the green screen based on nonfiction books they’d read. Parents were invited to attend.
“They made films with the idea of teaching others about what they are learning,” said target assist teacher Michelle Witt. “Education is so different than it was in the past. We have to embrace technology; it’s what the kids are interested in.”
In November, Witt and Centre School technology teacher L.J. Dutton gave a presentation at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference in Manchester. They brought along five second-grade students to demonstrate - David, Nolan, Morgan, Nathan and Benten. (Centre School policy is not to list last names in the media).
“Technology is always going to be around,” Dutton said. “It’s so infused with what they’re doing and learning; everything is technology-based. They need to learn it or be left behind. I want them to get to a point where they’re teaching me.”
Witt and Dutton are encouraging Centre staff to utilize technology as much as possible in the classrooms.
“We’re trying to infuse technology into the curriculum as much as we can,” Witt said. “It allows students to express their understanding of learning in a way other than paper and pencil.”
In addition to the film project, students also have the opportunity to work with robots. Witt and Dutton applied for and received grants for a total of 10 DASH and four DOT robots. Both are designed and programmed by the students. DASH robots are mobile, while DOT robots can speak.
The school recently acquired Chromebooks for all first and second-grade classrooms, according to Dutton. There are 10 Chromebooks per classroom. They also received a grant for two new IPads. Last year, they acquired a 3D printer.
“The kids love the 3D printer,” Dutton said. “They have different projects they can pick from. The 3D process takes three or four classes to complete. Last year, for example, they created dice. It took several weeks to print them out for everyone.”
Witt understands that some worry about too much technology in the classroom distracting students, for example high schoolers sneaking peaks at their cell phones. But she is hopeful that there can be a happy medium.
“Technology is second nature to these kids,” Witt said. “If technology is used in an appropriate way, it can be effective. Instead of making it a constant battle, why not use the technology in way that complements what you’re teaching?”
Teachers at Centre are constantly infusing technology in their classrooms, according to Witt.
“When we were doing the green screen project, for example, the kids were so enthusiastic and the teachers really embraced it,” she said.