21st Century Technology Engages Berkley Students

Berkley Street School made technology one of its top priorities over the past few years, and this September, it kicked off the school year with some big advancements. A new computer lab and another three Smart Boards are helping Berkley give its students a 21st Century education.

As mentioned in the Gibbs Gazette last week, all four New Milford public schools received technology upgrades. The computer labs in Berkley and Gibbs, one computer lab in the High School and three computer labs in DEOMS were replaced, along with many classroom computers, in order to adhere to the technology plan which has a six-year computer refresh policy.

Over the summer the district leased 240 Dell LED flat screen computers to make the changes. These computers replaced the outdated nine-year-old systems. The district’s technology coordinator, Ron Watson, along with administrators, worked with Dell to get the most competitive rate for the lease. The district will have an option to purchase them after the third year for $1 per computer and plans on doing so. District technology is funded through the annual budget in accordance with the District Technology Plan.

In addition to replacing the 26 computers previously in Berkley’s lab, two computers were added to make a total of 28 computers. This means that when each class attends Media, each child has his own computer. The lab continues to house one of Berkley’s SMART Boards which enables Library Media Specialist Dora Oliviero to engage her students in interactive lessons.

The term SMART Board has become familiar in a way Kleenex did to facial tissues! It refers to a large, interactive white board most popularly made by the SMART company, that is connected to a computer. The screen can be operated by the touch of one’s hand and can be written on with a special pen. Together, teachers and students can use the Internet, create and update documents, practice math concepts, research, etc.  And, children get to operate the screen when appropriate to the lesson, which makes using them quite appealing to them!

Berkley currently has a SMART Board in each classroom of grades 2-5 and one in most special education, basic skills, and English Language Learners rooms. There are also two that are mobile and can rotate among the Specialists or any other teacher who does not have one in his or her room.

“The whole idea behind it is to create an interactive classroom," said Oliviero. “The kids love using them. They love to click and drag on the white board. I sometimes hear them say, ‘Oooh-ahhh!’ when I am doing a lesson!”

Oliviero received training from SMART several years ago so is a certified SMART instructor and has trained Berkley’s staff. Berkley’s principal, Patricia Aufiero, has placed strong emphasis on doing as much staff development as possible in order to assist teachers in using this technology.

Two years ago, teachers attended monthly sessions with Oliviero. Last year, training was scattered throughout the year and will be this year as well. Some sessions are done during staff meetings or on professional development days. Oliviero is available to train teachers one-on-one upon request and has open lab times in the Media Center when teachers can come in.

There are numerous materials available to help teachers develop lessons using this technology. The SMART site, www.smarttech.com has lessons available. In addition, district programs like Everyday Math offer supplemental materials. Berkley’s Media Center also has professional development books selected by Oliviero and purchased by the PTO, that have CD’s to use with the SMART Boards.  

Aufiero observes teachers doing lessons using the SMART Boards. “It is wonderful to see the students so interested and receptive,” she said. “It is a way to reach different kinds of learners and engage all children.”

 Upcoming Berkley Events...

• September 27--Everyday Math Information Night at Gibbs, 7 p.m.
• September 28 & 29--Schools closed for religious holiday.
• October 3--Picture day.
• October 4--PTO meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center.
• October 7--PTO DJ Night, 7 -9 p.m. 
• October 10--Schools closed for students. Teachers have professional day.