Incorporating Technology into Student Learning

Lake Stevens High School is privileged to have many technological tools available for teachers and students. Each classroom I’ve observed has at least three computers available for student use; students may also use one of the many computers in the school’s library or computer lab before and after school.

Mrs. Tilley’s English 10 class worked in the library for two days to gather information for an upcoming research paper about the ancient Roman Empire. LSHS has subscriptions to online scholarly journals that give students the opportunity to work with programs that will be beneficial once they enter any sort of higher education program. Non computer technology available for students and staff includes the regular use of the Elmo, a digital projector used in many professional instances, as well as Blackboard, an online space for teachers, students, and parents to keep track of grades and assignments.

Teachers are given paid training for these tools in order to be able to receive optimal use of the tools. Students are offered several technology based classes, from digital and web design, to programming and video production. Students run their very own Student Viking Website, as well as a daily morning announcement show, Viking Television.

Since there are so many opportunities for students to use these tools, and they are easily available, students are required to take advantage of them and complete typed papers and assignments, as well as regular PowerPoint projects. Teachers give some in-class time to use computers, but students are also urged to use their own time as well.

In my future classroom, I will have to take the community as a whole into consideration before deciding how much “technology time” is necessary for a class. Lake Stevens HS is fortunate to have readily available technological tools for their students and staff, but not every district will have the same advantages.