Technology brings Moodle, wiki pages to class in Franklin Regional
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School-age children are more technologically savvy than a decade ago.
That is why teachers in the Franklin Regional district are utilizing more technology in their classrooms than ever before.
At last week's school board meeting, teacher/technology coach Roger Crider depicted how teachers in the district are using different computer programs that are geared to enhancing the students' educational experience.
"Technology will never stop advancing," Mr. Crider said during the presentation. "It is important that as a staff, we are able to use it and allow it to help our students in the classroom."
The district received a Classroom of the Future grant from the state Department of Education and, with it, hired a technology coach four years ago to help educators use computer technology in the classroom.
Now, teachers are using such entities as blogs, Moodle and wiki pages to help inspire discussion among students, create question-and-answer sessions and help with the completion of class projects.
"It is amazing how far we have come and how far we have yet to go," said Mr. Crider, a 12-year teacher in business and computer education in the district.
He added that students and teachers are enjoying the benefits of the district's technologically driven initiative.
"Basically, the learning in the classroom can take place beyond the bounds of the normal school day," he said. "A teacher is able to post an item on his or her blog or wiki, and their students can respond to it or it can lead to discussion."
Teachers also are using Moodle -- Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It can be best described as a free and open-source e-learning platform.
"It is an online course management system," Mr. Crider said. "It helps the teachers create discussion and collaboration among their students."
Mr. Crider said he hopes that teachers in the district continue to embrace what is available technologically.
"Many students are already well-versed in using the Internet and other computer software, most before they reach middle school," he added. "This will better help teachers engage them in and out of the classroom."
Entities such as Facebook and Twitter also will be used in the future, if they are not already, added Mr. Crider.
"It is a matter of comfort for the teachers," he said. "I'd like to get more involved in Twitter. It can be a valuable tool in the classroom. We are just at the tip of the iceberg for sure."
First Published May 6, 2010 5:30 am
