I have spent much time this week
considering the technology at my site, Sequoyah Middle School located in
Edmond, OK. There is a plethora of technology in use at all levels, from
students to staff to administration. I have been teaching science at Sequoyah
since 2006, and have seen the technology change steadily.
In my first classroom, I had access to a
computer, monitor, phone, an overhead projector for transparencies, pull down
screen attached to the wall, intercom speaker for office/classroom
communication, four chalkboards on two walls and several boxes of chalk, and a
large VCR for showing educational videos.
By 2010, big changes were implemented in
EPS, as SMART Boards, updated computers and ceiling projectors were installed
in all classrooms. In 2010 a new wing was built onto our building which houses
2 science labs, 2 computer labs for Technology Literacy classes with printers,
a FACS room and two other classrooms. They are equipped with all of the above
mentioned technology, as well as individual digital thermostats.
Accessible technology for teacher
check-out/student use includes an IPad cart and a cart of laptops (classroom
sets of each). Sequoyah also has a computer lab in the 8th grade
wing and over 30 laptops in the media center for student use, and printers in
each location. Many teachers also
encourage students to bring their own devices to class, as an educational
resource. Cameras/video equipment are able to be checked out from media center
by Sequoyah students/employees. In 2013, Wi-Fi was installed at Sequoyah,
allowing students filtered internet access. Many teacher and student textbooks
have online resources, which students and teachers are encouraged to use, as
several subjects only have class sets of textbooks (which remain in the
classroom).
Other technology at Sequoyah are defibrillator
in the main office, a screening device in front office, into which visitors
must swipe their driver’s license (provides name tag for visitors who pose no
harm), Apple TV, 3D Printers, RedCat for teachers, walkie talkies for
communication between office and others in building, copy room with 4 copiers
and 2 risographs, document scanner, 2 Edusoft system scanners/graders. All
teachers access the following online daily: gradebook/attendance, email. Many
other resources are available online for teacher/student use. Apps such as
Edmodo and Remind are commonly used by teachers to communicate with
students/parents. Teachers are also strongly encouraged to have their own page
on school website, with information about themselves.
My Head Principal, Jason Galloway, is
exemplary at bringing us all into the digital age, by encouraging his teachers
to become more technological savvy. He often shares his knowledge of technology
and asks teachers who have other technology experience to do the same with the
staff. This was clearly demonstrated
during our Professional Development in August 2015, where Mr. Galloway
moderated an educational Twitter chat for EPS middle school
teachers/administration. I believe that Sequoyah Middle School has a strong
emphasis which exemplifies Edmond Public Schools Mission Statement, “Empowering
all students to succeed in as changing society. Believe…Achieve…Succeed”.
