Op-Ed: Mt. Carmel School President Advances Mobile Technology

By Kathleen Sipes
President, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School

When students returned from summer vacation this year, they didn’t “hit the books” in the traditional sense. Upon entering the classroom, they found their teachers equipped with Samsung Tablets and ready to open a whole new world of learning opportunity.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to integrate technology into the classroom and into all aspects of the learning environment. Being digitally literate is a must in today’s wired world and it prepares our children for success in the classroom and beyond. When used properly, wireless technology increases student engagement, enhances teaching and transforms the classroom with interactive learning experiences.

I’ve seen firsthand how it cultivates a tremendous enthusiasm whether at the elementary, middle or high school level. And when it comes time for college, having the ability to navigate the ever-challenging and increasingly competitive online application process is a true advantage. Simply put, being tech savvy often sets students apart and is crucial to academic achievement.

Through a partnership with Verizon Wireless, our school has been able to expand our use of mobile technology by bringing more than 100 tablets into the classroom.

Beginning with one set of tablets as a pilot program last fall, teachers began to experiment with the devices in science class and witnessed how they allowed us to transform the delivery of academic material.

Freshman and sophomores used the devices for biology to 'dissect frogs'; juniors and seniors were re-invigorated about chemistry and physics and exploring the periodic table while the middle school learned about the wonders of the universe and earth science through interactive applications.

Now, students throughout the school will use the tablets in all curricular areas.

By opening a social learning network, and accessing school-approved educational applications and resources on the tablets, teachers and students can interact with multiple sources and support structures that they did not have before.

It can help students improve vocabulary, increase reading comprehension, acquire and refine problem-solving skills and much more. The ability to collaborate, share ideas, comment on each other’s work and participate in discussions brings learning to a whole new level. 

It also offers a flexible approach to learning where everyone benefits. Teachers can quickly assess student retention of certain topics and concepts through real-time polling and quizzes, and easily evaluate progress to determine if they need to re-teach something. For students who are really sailing through things, it can provide a platform for them to enrich their discussions with each other which is often logistically difficult to orchestrate in a classroom when you have motivated students who have different skill sets and are learning at different levels.

The amount of paper saved is also noteworthy. Just one classroom U.S. history lesson, for example, might require hundreds of copies! 

Many studies point to the improved academic achievement that comes with mobile technology, such as tablets. When equipped with high-quality applications and educational software, these learning devices have a proven track record of increasing proficiency levels and overall test scores.

But just as important, is the student enthusiasm that accompanies achievement. Whether they’re using applications and tools individually or working together on a team project, students are more engaged in the learning process, and they are developing skills that result in the ethical and positive use of information that will help them become independent, life-long learners.