From digital morning news to lessons using the Smartboard, at École Parkside School technology has become an integral part of our staff and students’ day.  Lessons and activities that incorporate the Web, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher and Digital photography are used as technology tools for instruction as well as to improve students’ technology skills within the context of the regular curriculum. 

As well, webquests and wikis, creating on-line educational games and digital storytelling have been explored to inspire and expand knowledge and enthusiasm for learning.

The Smartboard, an ingredient for digitally interactive instruction, along with an LCD projector have been used to present lessons created with SmartNotebook or PowerPoint.  It is so easy to click through a presentation by tapping on the screen or jot down brainstorming ideas with the colored pens.  Students come up to demonstrate or problem solve and the Internet is always readily available to enhance lessons.  Students have been highly motivated to participate and test scores have been increased with using this technology for teaching and reviewing curricular objectives.

Another tool to assist with technology integration has been the Air of Excellence project providing our students with a laptop to use in the classroom.  This has really brought technology to our students’ fingertips on a daily basis.

Technology has also been used to meet the needs of diverse learners, for example Read and Write Gold to support reading and writing skill development or MovieMaker as an enrichment activity to allow students to showcase their knowledge of Canadian history.

At Parkside, students are not only learning about and learning how to use technology but are also learning with technology as teachers integrate technology tools to create an effective and stimulating learning environment.