There's no denying it: technology is changing the way teachers think and how students learn. But students aren't the only ones learning how to use their new computers -- teachers are too.
Raytown Schools have coordinators whose jobs are designed to help teachers implement technology into the classroom.
Raytown staff said their approach to technology is to going slow in order to go fast. Raytown started the process of getting laptops, computers and Chromebooks into the hands of every student in 2013.
In 2016, it is officially a one-to-one district for students K-10.
“The part after that is how do you make it work in your classroom? How you use that to make student learning more exciting and more engaging?,” said Tyler Britt, curriculum and instructional coordinator for Raytown Schools.
The graduating class of 2019 will actually be taking their laptops with them when they graduate.
Raytown Schools said a slow rollout of technology has allowed them to come up with creative ideas like that.
Staff also wants to make sure once students get the computers, that they are being used effectively in the classroom.
"I spend a lot of my time doing model lessons in the classroom. I spend a lot of time on plan time," explained Britt.
When Britt, or his counterparts, come to a classroom they look at how technology can be better utilized.
The district runs classes throughout the year to keep teachers up to date on what technology offers.
They have encouraged teachers to use Moodle, a virtual program where kids can take quizzes, practice flashcards, work individually or on projects.
During the Olympics they also had a little fun with teachers, making it into a sport.
“There was a competition to see who could set up a course the quickest with a video, a quiz and a document that can be downloaded,” said Jordan Lower, database administrator for Raytown Quality Schools.
Britt said he also works with teachers on incorporating lessons on interactive whiteboards.
“You can save these screenshots and add onto them. It’s sort of a permanent record of your notes,” said Britt.
The classes the district offers are usually about once a week.
The district said encouraging technology is not about the computer or the flash; it’s about finding the best pathway for learning.
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Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
