Technology in the classroom - KRIS Corpus Christi News

CORPUS CHRISTI -

When was the last time you were inside a classroom? If it has been awhile, you will be absolutely stunned by the way technology has completely changed the landscape and the process. Especially in Elementary schools.

When  the Corpus Christi Independent School District  started the school year, 370 students  at Los Encinos Elementary walked into their new school that cost the district around $22.8 million to build.  They also walked into classrooms that were set up with new technology.

“Twenty-first learners need to be exposed to technology from an early age. At our previous campus, SMART TV’s were limited just to certain grade levels. Now, you will see SMART TV’s in all classrooms that focus on student instruction thanks to the 2014 CCISD Bond. This includes grade level, art and music classrooms. Students retain more when they are able to manipulate technology, and it's evident through their level of engagement while completing activities designed to be used on the SMART TV,”  said Los Encinos Principle Christine Sierra.

As with all technology however, there are certain challenges for students attempting to adapt to using SMART TV’s.

“This is a tool that allows teachers to create interactive learning experiences for the students. They utilize the SMART Exchange to search for activities to enhance student learning. Instead of using your typical paper and pencil assignments, you can find teachers and students manipulating activities on the SMART TV that still covers the same material in a more engaging manner," said Sierra.

SMART TV’s have been making their way into classrooms for the past few years and have proven themselves as effective teaching tools.

“The SMART TV’s are helping our teachers use resources from the District’s instructional guides that makes it easy for them to click on an activity, and it’s shown on the 60” SMART TV. Teachers can use the SMART Exchange to search for activities to use in their classrooms and can even create their own activities,” said Sierra.

Thanks to an influx of technology materials provided by federal funds, pre-kindergarten teachers also have additional resources like using iPads to help their students. 

“Here at Los Encinos Elementary, our PK students have access to a variety of technology devices such as the SMART TV, iPads and Chromebooks. No matter what the age, students are resilient when it comes to technology. Sometimes you can find them showing their teachers and classmates what they already know. Allowing students to use technology at such a young age prepares them to be 21st Century learner,” said Sierra.

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