Seven Oaks Showcases Technology Used to Enrich Learning

Parents of students attending Seven Oaks Elementary School were able to see firsthand how technology is used to enhance learning during the school's Technology Night.

Karen Nesbit was one of the many parents who were happy to see the tools in action.

Nesbit, whose son Malcolm is in the first grade, said she thought it was great that students were able to use the technology in the classroom.

“I think it’s important that they learn technology early instead of waiting until later,” Nesbit said. “It’s a great start.”

On Thursday night, parents visited different classrooms to see how teachers were using technology such as SMART Boards, an interactive whiteboard, and iPads to teach lessons from math to social studies.

Students are able to visit educational sites as a class, take virtual tours and participate in interactive activities.

Teachers also have access to a Flip camera and iPod Touch.

Catherine Kilburn, a first-grade teacher at Seven Oaks, said the technology helps students expand their knowledge no matter what level they’re on.

“It adapts to them and it’s more hands on and engaging,” Kilburn said. “It’s much more exciting playing on the iPad than sitting with pencil and paper.”

“It’s wonderful and the students really respond to it." 

Fifth-grade teacher Caitlin Stokes said the technology is critical for this generation of learners because technology is already a part of their daily lives.

“They thrive on it,” Stokes said. “You give them just a little bit and they take it even further than what you would be able to do.”

Stokes said there’s no limit to the creative and educational tools as well as information that could be found through the use of technology.