Dewey Middle School is showing how some small but mighty laptops bolster computer skills and make learning come alive.
Back in 2017, the school received an Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust grant that provided 253 Chromebooks, allowing students and teachers to work collaboratively and create digital curriculum, technology-based lessons and real-world student products.
Thursday, OETT representatives visited the middle school to see firsthand how students are learning in new ways. Dewey Middle School Principal Brent Massey explained that the Chromebooks have transformed the educational experience for students.
“Student engagement levels are higher, and will continue to grow as teachers work to integrate them in authentic ways. Students are gaining skills that will help them in today’s ever-evolving job world, and the Chromebooks have given us the ability to provide that at greater levels,” said Massey.
The school is one of 20 public schools in Oklahoma learning in new and innovative ways thanks to more than $1.2 million in grants from the OETT. The $40,000 grant made it possible to purchase new technology equipment and professional development tools for teachers at Dewey.
The devices are enabling teachers and students to broaden their learning by providing new opportunities for collaboration, shared decision making, problem-solving and critical thinking.
In conjunction with the new Chromebooks, teachers are using Google Classroom, where they can provide instant feedback and track a student’s progress to improve performance.
“Google Classroom and the Chromebooks make it easier to access notes that we’ve covered in class. I can go to my classroom and study notes directly from the teacher,” said student Kara Baker.
Because everything is posted online, Google Classroom gives students access to materials no matter where they are. Students who are absent can easily access classroom materials from home if necessary.
“The Chromebooks are great for when you have missed school. You can just log in and get all of the information that you missed. It’s so easy,” Audrey Gay said.
By using Chromebooks, student Easton Lynch doesn’t have to worry about losing paper or forgetting due dates on assignments.
“I can log in, and it’s all right there,” said Lynch
Dewey’s educators are witnessing firsthand how Chromebooks have changed learning and engaging students in technology.
“Chromebooks allow students to have technology at their fingertips. Technology is our future. Students create, manipulate, and design their activities so that they can learn the skills that are necessary to be successful in their future careers,” said Jeannie Eutsler, sixth grade math/ STEM teacher.
The core of the Chromebook’s power comes from the Google Apps for Education suite, which includes Google Drive, Docs, Slides, Classroom, and more. With these tools, and other free apps, students can manage their work, create, and browse the web with a single account.
“I love using Chromebooks in the classroom. It allows me to custom tailor the learning experience to my students’ needs. They are growing up in a technology-rich world, and our ability to integrate it into an authentic learning environment serves them well into their futures.” Debbie Miller, sixth-grade science teacher, said.
Dewey’s school superintendent Vince Vincent echoed the benefits being expressed by teachers and students.
“It has also provided a path for our teachers to expand their curriculum and support a more engaging classroom environment. It’s afforded us the opportunity to continue to move our middle school toward a more student-centered and future-focused education,” said Vincent.
OETT is administered by Foundation Management, Inc. and Communities Foundation of Oklahoma with professional development coordinated through the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center. For additional information on OETT, visit www.oett.org.