Albemarle students get sneak peek at new technology - The Daily Progress

More than 70 students from various Albemarle County schools recently tested new computers, tried out virtual reality headsets and weighed in on different tools for next school year at the 2019 Image Festival, the first event of its kind for the division.

“It’s good to hear students’ ideas and to get their input,” said Christine Diggs, the division’s chief technology officer. “There’s a lot of untapped potential for students in terms of hearing their voice.”

The feedback received at the event, held Friday, will help technology staff members in the school system prepare for the upcoming school year.

The Department of Learning Engineering, Access, and Design organized and hosted the technology fair. The event stemmed from the idea of having students test the default system image for division computers. The system image includes the default settings and programs that are replicated on all school-issued student computers.

However, the event grew in focus as technology staff decided to broaden its scope. Students could stop by 12 stations that were set up around Center One at Seminole Place, the high school center that opened this school year.

At the image testing station, students were asked to work on a range of tasks, from recording a message in Audacity to accessing different apps.

“It’s a sneak peek,” said Justin Magsipoc, an eighth-grader at Sutherland Middle School.

Justin was most excited about seeing the inside of Center One, known in its infancy as Albemarle Tech.

“I kept hearing about Albemarle Tech, and now I’m here,” he said.

Justin said he liked using different robotic tools and seeing the new hardware.

At Bert Jacoby’s station, students could compare the current computers’ models with the new devices that will go to incoming third-, sixth- and ninth-graders as part of the division’s 1:1 technology initiative. From third through 12th grade, each Albemarle student is issued a computer. After sixth grade, students can take their computers home during the school year.

Jacoby, who is the coordinator of central technology services for the division, had students time how long it takes for the different models to boot up and explore other activities on the devices.

“The old computer has a slow brain,” Jacoby told a student, before explaining the difference in processors and hard drives.

Charlotte Sargent, a sixth-grader at Burley Middle School, also wanted to test out the computers.

“It’s amazing,” she said of the event. “I’m so happy that I had the opportunity to come here.”

Charlotte said the student perspective isn’t always included, and she was excited to give her input.

“I feel like it’s really important as a student and knowing how students think,” she said.

Diggs said the event was a good opportunity for LEAD staff to interact with students. Often, they are the “wizards behind the curtain,” she said, answering support calls and working to keep systems running rather than engaging one on one with students.

LEAD staff will review the student feedback, Diggs said. Additionally, staff members will take it back to schools as they help teachers integrate learning technology into their classrooms.

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