Middle School students at Holly Academy have been introduced to new technology in the classroom - the Nook™ Tablet 8GB. 87 devices were purchased through funds raised by the Holly Academy Education Fund, providing a full classroom set for each middle school grade level. The units have a 16 GB capability with the supplemental microSD cards that were also purchased. The devices have web browsing options which will allow students to utilize apps and websites via the school’s WIFI. This will expand usage from Reading class to Science, Social Studies, Spanish and Math.
“The Nooks™ have many features that are assisting our students academically,” said Kellie Robertson, 6th grade teacher. “They are able to quickly look up a definition of any word, create notes, highlight in three different colors, change font size, and much more.” Teachers and students were asked for input as to which novels to order. Teachers had the opportunity to load whole class novels, guided reading novels, and non-fiction pieces. Examples of books currently loaded onto the devices are Year of the Hangman, Journey of the Sparrow, The House on Mango Street, Flipped, The Lightning Thief, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Students at Holly Academy are delighted with the new technology. Electronic reading devices have been found to benefit students from all levels of reading abilities. “The Nook helps my education by being able to have everything at my fingertips,” said Isabelle Brown, an 8th grader from Davisburg. “If you don’t know a word, there is a dictionary and you can leave a sticky note which helps with comprehension.” When middle school students are not using the devices, they will be passed along to the lower grade levels. When asked if this technology would be useful for everyday use in other grades, 8th grade teacher Jennifer Klimaszewski responded, “Absolutely! Our students love to use the technology”.
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Holly Academy, located in Holly, MI, educates 895 students in grades K-8. It was designated as a School of Excellence in 2011 and as a
Michigan Reward School in 2012. Information Sessions for parents looking to find more information about Holly Academy will be held on January 28 and February 25. See www.hollyacademy.org for more information.