Learning to Use Technology as a Teaching Tool

Teachers Jason Jaconetti, Kim Pennock, and Michelle Leone participate in last week’s conference day in Carmel. Eric Gross Integrating technology into classroom instruction is taking a front seat in the Carmel School District these days now that the 2010-11 school year is underway.

During last week’s Superintendent’s Conference Day program, which preceded Tuesday’s first day of classes, educators learned that technology is a powerful teaching tool for ensuring that all students learn effectively regardless of differences in ability.

Assistant Superintendent Andy Irvin said the idea of the day sprouted from the school’s investment over the past decade in computers and technology. “We found that although state-ofthe art equipment was available, there was a large disparity in its usage as well as familiarity and access to training.”

Working with the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s Model Schools and the district’s technology team, a program was put together that focused on using instructional technology in the classroom.

Superintendent James Ryan called technology an “important tool that can be used to more fully engage students in learning, no matter their level or ability.”