District 46 Teachers Demonstrate Benefits Of Smart Boards

Technology, not the criminology behind recent board member actions, was the focus of a rather peaceful District 46 meeting at Prairieview School Dec. 7.

Board and audience members were treated to a hands-on presentation on how Smart Board interactive white boards are used every day in the classroom for everything from math and geography lessons to reading and making lunch selections.

Prairieview School, which has 26 Smart Boards, was recognized this year as a SMART Showcase School by SMART Technologies for its efforts to enhance student learning through this technology. Teachers Kirsten Innes, Megan Jansen and Julie Mayer were also awarded the status of Smart Exemplary Educators by the company.

“Prairieview integrates technology exceptionally well,” said Principal Vince Murray, who introduced a school-made video called “A Day in the Life of a Smart Board” to illustrate what the boards can do.

D46 first acquired five Smart Boards in 2008, and now boasts more than 100 throughout its schools.

“It started out being a cool thing they played with. Now it’s something they can’t live without,” said Innes of the students’ enthusiasm for the Smart Boards.

With several stations set up, board and audience members, guided by teachers, had the opportunity to try out the interactive boards for themselves, a process that took about a half-hour out of the meeting.

“OK, children,” laughed Board President Ray Millington. “Let’s get back (to work).”

The board was also updated on the district’s technology plan, which proposes to replace 300 aging lab computers throughout the schools and upgrade the software of another 300 computers at a cost of about $335,000. The district replaces and upgrades its computers every six years or so. The board is expected to approve the measure at a future meeting following additional review and discussion.

In other technology news, D46 has received a federal grant for the purchase of 30 Apple custom MacBooks for special education classrooms. The entire cost, $36,218, will be covered by the grant.

Millington also broached the subject of whether the board should create and enact a policy against board members using electronic equipment such as cell phones and laptop computers during board meetings, because such devices can be distracting and possibly in violation of the Open Meetings Act.

Currently, board members do not use district-issued laptops at meetings but instead rely on hard-copy board packets of information.

“I wouldn’t vote for it,” said board member Shannon Smigielski of banning the devices.

Smigielski said she keeps her cell phone on during board meetings as a “lifeline” to her family in case they need to reach her in an emergency, and would not want to be without it.

“I’m a parent first,” she said.

Board member Keith Surroz suggested the board may want to consider whether it is appropriate to text during board meetings.

“We’re all grown-ups,” said board member Michael Carbone, noting he did believe board members needed such monitoring because there was no abuse of the devices.