| Story and Photos by Drew Moody
About 30 teachers spent last week receiving technology training integrating several pieces of new equipment which will change the way classes are taught in grades 7 through 12.
"It was a technology Christmas in July," said principal Nasia Butcher. Thursday participants were given over $30,000 in new computer and other high-tech equipment.
Gilmer County High School is one of 12 counties this year selected to receive technology grant monies from the state department of education.
The math and English departments will share nine "Smart Boards" and six "E-Beams." Think of them like a 21st-Century interactive, internet-ready all-in-one teaching tool.
Gilmer County High School principal, Nasia
Butcher, and teacher Kenny Fisher use new GPS units.
In one classroom, already outfitted with a "Smart Board," the roughly 4x6-foot wall-mounted unit is connected to a computer. There's a digital projection unit mounted on the ceiling. Power it up and the board can act as a defacto computer monitor, chalkboard, or film projector.
The "E-Beams" feature newer technology. It's based on basically the same idea as the "Smart Boards," but there's no need for a separate 'board' to project an image on.
Teachers also received laptop computers and a wireless pen-tablet. A pen-tablet device often replaces a "mouse" when using drawing or photo-editing programs. They also received training on the operation of GPS navigation devices.
Digital Age Changes
Want to find out how passionate and committed Butcher is to the project? Ask her if they're going to use the equipment to 'entertain students."
"This isn't for fun! This is the 'Real Deal,'" she said firmly...leaving little room for doubt.
The concept is a simple one.
Gilmer County High School head football coach Buck Stewart,
left, is shown a few high-tech tricks by GSC professor, Dr.
Kevin Cain.
Show teachers how to cover the curriculum the way our 21st Century, computer-savvy students learn. "This is the digital age and that's how they learn," Butcher said.
In addition, she indicated there will be a significantly greater emphasis on investigative-research methods of learning and problem solving. "We want them to learn by doing."
Apparently much of what was thought to be the time-tested lecture method of teaching is going the way of the dinosaurs. Students will have less of a passive role, and more responsibility for the destiny of their learning. Clearly it's more work for everyone, but has the promising aspect of multi-faceted benefits.
Teaching - Still Exciting After 40+ Years
When Linda Rock began teaching, sometime back in the 1960s, high tech in a classroom may have been a film projector.
Along with her teaching duties at Gilmer County High School, Rock also oversees publishing the school's yearbook, plus manages the onsite television broadcasting lab.
Linda Rock learning to use new computer
equipment last week at Glenville State College.
Each morning students prepare, script and produce a "Campus Connection" program. News, sports information, and lunch menu offerings are common offerings of the day.
This year, part of the grant funding will be used to upgrade the broadcasting facilities, giving the school the capability of recording and editing programs in a 100-percent digital format.
Rock is a tech-savvy veteran educator who believes these are exciting times for a small, rural, West Virginia school district. She says the new equipment will change not only the way students learn, but the way teachers teach as well.
Overview - Looking Ahead
Butcher is well pleased with the progress made last week.
Glenville State College sponsored the 4-day program, including providing faculty to assist in training. Also on hand was a NASA specialist from Fairmont, as well as WVU personnel.
Those involved in last week's training will now help others learn to use and integrate the various equipment and software.
College students in teacher-education programs were invited to participate, reflecting the depth of the many collaborative efforts ongoing between GSC and schools throughout Gilmer and surrounding area counties.
"Glenville State is a natural fit for us," Butcher said.
Recent GSC graduate Tony Minney, son of Tom and Nancy Minney of Tanner, has accepted the position of technology integration specialist for the 2008-09 school year.
Butcher indicated plans are already underway to apply for additional tech grant monies next year.
Gilmer County High School submitted a grant proposal for the maximum allowable funds of $150,000, which was fully funded by the state.
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