Foxborough Adapting New Technology Initiative to Develop Student Leaders

The following is part of the Foxborough Teaching and Learning Highlight Series submitted by Foxborough Assistant Superintendent Amy Berdos.

Foxborough High School iSchool Advocates were featured at the February 23rd School Committee meeting as the Teaching and Learning Highlight. The iSchool Advocate Program is a way to move technology forward by enlisting and empowering student technology leaders. The program was initially launched last November when twenty one FHS students participated in three days of training with Travis Allen, founder of the iSchool Program. These student leaders are the first to participate in the new technology initiative which works to develop student leaders in their school community to empower them in the areas of technology, leadership, teamwork and public speaking.

Dr. Matthew Carroll, FHS History teacher along with Ms. Julia Greenstine, Technology Integration Specialist provide guidance and support as the Advisors for the group. They were joined by FHS senior Matthew Klaver to discuss the program and some of the student led projects that are running since its launch. FHS student Matt Klaver explained the program’s philosophy and how the idea of student leaders matched his own goals and interests. The program is based on the belief that students have the power to change the world at any age through the use of technology. This power is beginning to be realized as the iSchool Advocates have started to develop projects of interest to them and ones that will make a difference for their peers and their school. Some examples currently under development include implementing technology to make a difference in the lives of students during the school day by enhancing through digital means ways to communicate news and announcements, restructure a more efficient and technologically friendly layout for computers and access in the FHS media center, and provide technology training support to students and teachers in areas of need. One recent example includes the involvement of students in technology training and support for the implementation of Office365. “I’ve helped to train students on how to use Microsoft Office365 accounts, helping high school students and helped out teachers,” shared Matt. “You can be a leader in teaching your friends and peers technology.”

Ms. Greenstein spoke of the effect a high school student can have when training a middle school student or a peer. We have the expertise, but do not always have the capacity and the iSchool Advocates are helping reach more students at once, she shared. “They are incredibly proactive to help others.” Dr. Carroll agreed stating that it very rewarding to see students take on a leadership role; “technology is changing so fast and the students are a resource. The purpose of the program is for them to advocate and they are able to do just that.”

The iSchool Advocate program will be featured at the Foxborough Parent Technology Night which will take place at Foxborough High School, Tuesday, March 10th from 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM. Please visit http://foxborough.k12.ma.us to preview the flyer and register for the event.