Special to NKyTribune
Beechwood Independent Schools students in grades 5-12 are going wireless and studying with Google Chromebooks. The touchscreen devices allow students to engage in digital learning, such as completing assignments online through Google’s G Suite tools including Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
As Beechwood Superintendent Dr. Mike Stacy explains “Our vision is to have every student at Beechwood be globally competitive. As each student graduates, they will immediately start competing for college placements, scholarship money, spots in advanced majors, and the work force.”
Stacy says computer skills and competencies are important in today’s education and workplace environments. “Simple things like turning in assignments, scheduling visits with professors, putting money into an account, etc… are completed virtually and we want to make sure we prepare each of our students to handle those tasks.”
Beechwood’s 1:1 Student Device Program started in January, when its Board of Education provided sixth and seventh graders with computers. This school year’s program expansion includes all students in grades 5-12 and is part of the district’s long-term goal of helping each student become a digital age learner, according to Monica Wainscott, Beechwood’s technology resource teacher.
“We want our students to be given opportunities to collaborate and work effectively in a team using digital tools,” said Wainscott. “We are providing opportunities for our students to be empowered learners who can set goals and work toward achieving them, as well as solve authentic problems and come up with solutions using a variety of digital tools.”
Wainscott helps students with digital tools and devices, such as their new Chromebooks, and also trains and helps teachers to incorporate technology into their curriculum in an effective way.
“We do not expect instruction to change overnight, nor will our classrooms run much differently over the next several months,” said Stacy. “What we do expect is to have a modern tool that helps students communicate, utilize a learning management system, and develop their use of technology.”
My son just got his Chrome Book and at home we don’t have interest hooked up. Is there a way he can hook up to my phone and use my internet? Please explain.