A New Tool for Teachers, Students at Brewster Elementary

Computers are quickly becoming the new textbook in classrooms in Regional School District 13.

Nowhere is that more evident than at 's new computer lab, where second grade students learn to add numbers and spell words on iPads.

"It is such a natural part of their world," says Michelle Gohagon, District 13's technology integration specialist for grades K-6.

"When we started, the teachers were really excited about the technology but just not quite sure how to implement it so we really worked hard. We want technology to be a natural part of the curriculum," says Gohagon, a former history teacher.

Earlier this month, all three elementary schools in the district received ten new iPads at a cost of $16,140 to the district. Eventually, the portable computers will likely replace textbooks altogether. 

"We're still getting used to the lab but each day I come in there are new opportunities," says second grade teacher Jeff Bernabeo.

"It's like a piece of paper, but with your finger. It's much more fun, much more engaging. This kind of adds an element of excitement."

Bernabeo says technology has served as a "big motivator" for his students, in part because the devices easily grab their attention.

"They're very focused," he says.

Gohagon joined the district four years ago and recently has been splitting her time between Brewster, Korn and Lyman elementary schools, where she provides teachers with the support they need as they learn to integrate the technology into their classrooms.

"That's what I say to the teachers, 'You don't have to know the whole thing, the kids are going to figure it out for you,'" Gohagon says, admitting that it's often much easier to teach the students the new technology rather than the teachers because many already have it at home. 

Soon teachers will be using apps (short for applications) that not only provide instruction but also measure student's progress and adjust to target specific areas of need.

"Not only will [the students] be playing games but it will actually create data for the teachers to look at to see how they're progressing," explains Gohagon who says the data will in turn be used to help improve test scores.

In Mr. Bernabeo's class, students learn to solve math problems playing games like Rocket Math, which requires students to solve math problems in order to win money, which they in turn use to build a rocket ship.

Students also use computers for long term projects. They recently began researching extreme weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes, and will write scripts and film and edit movies based on their findings.

"It's so interactive. The kids are wanting to demonstrate what they know," Gohagon says.

Down the hall, in Mrs. Stewart's class, students' reading skills are tested using iPads.

"The iPad is one way that I can do stations that they can practice skills that they're working on and have fun doing it. They abolutely love them and they're so good at them it's incredible," Stewart says.

"I've used the computers repeatedly in any way I can but I find the iPads are more up to date, quicker, easier, more mobile and I have more of them."

Gohagon, who is one of two technology integration specialists in the district - the other, Bill Kurtz, works with grades 7-12 - says none of this would be possible if not for the support of Superintendent Susan Viccaro and IT Director Rich Fielding.

"I have seen some of the projects that Michelle has done with kindergarteners and first graders and it is amazing what these kids can do once you put the technology in their hands," Viccaro said.

Editor's Note: Patch previously reported that the iPads cost an estimated $20,000. The correct amount is $16,140, according to school officials.