Schools

Role Reversal in Region 14

This week, the students became the teachers and taught Region 14 staff how to use iPads in the classroom.

New technology can be tough. It's not always intuitive, especially if you didn't grow up with your fingers perpetually on a computer keyboard.

That's why Region 14 teachers are grateful for this summer's iPad training, led by two patient and technologically savvy students: Colin Cleary and Brandon Simmons.

"The teachers in the region were given an option for technology," said Simmons, a senior at Nonnewaug High School.

They could choose between a Chromebook, a laptop, an iPad or they could bring their own personal technological device.

"The majority picked iPads," he said, so that's why the school decided to host the workshops.

The teachers voluntarily came in for the two-hour iPad sessions, said Jeff Turner, director of educational technology.

"And we've had more than 65 teachers this week and expect another 25 next week," he said

What Will the iPad Be Used For?

While the teachers can use the iPads for attendance taking or other teacher duties, that's not the prime functionality.

"They want to integrate this into the classroom," Simmons said.

So when students need to do a math problem, the teacher can bring up an app, hand the iPad to the students and they can figure it out together, with technology.

Cleary stood at the front of the room and taught teachers how to download apps, how to copy and paste text and how to add websites to the homescreen.

"What am I going to do without you?" one of the teachers asked.

He walked the teachers through the process and said with a smile, "It just takes some getting used to."

Cleary is an incoming freshman at UConn. He just graduated from Nonnewaug and has been working as part of the tech team all summer.

A Valuable Experience for All

Turner said the infusion of funds came from last year's budget increase as a way to get teachers portable devices for teaching and learning, not only for themselves but for use with students in the classroom.

He said he is proud of Cleary and Simmons.

"Both guys are working this summer under Paul setting up new technologies in classroom and getting devices ready for use by the first day of school, Turner said, referring to Paul Ciotti, director of network operations.

The classes are a valuable experience for the teachers and the students. Cleary and Simmons are teaching in a hands-on way and strengthening leadership skills, Turner said.

"They are editing their PowerPoint from class to class, working in unison in a real life situation," he said. "[I'm] very proud of their work ethic and interest."

How Useful is Siri, Really?

Not a whole heck of a lot, Cleary said. It can be useful for some things, like telling it to text someone when you can't pick up the phone.

You can change the language too. Simmons said some Spanish teachers have already instructed Siri to speak Spanish to them. But for the most part, Cleary categorized Siri as a novelty.

First Day of School Excitement

While the students are picking out first day of school outfits and buying notebooks and pens, it's nice to know that they're not the only ones that feel the thrill of a new school year.

"The teachers' eyes all light up when we say, 'here's your iPad'," said Simmons.


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