New MS - To be a Model of High Tech Teaching

Thanks to the reader who pointed out this article in the Morning Call (read it here) addressing the technology plans for the new MS.

Admin in the story were quick to point out the technology innovations are all within the $58 million dollar budget.

Each classroom is to be equipped with an interactive whiteboard ($1000 per classroom) and "Wi-Fi throughout the building, 25 laptops per team of teachers, a video production center and a weather station."

The article opens with this description, "'Technology natives,' as Tracy Smith refers to the current generation, perceive the Internet and related devices as second nature. That is opposed to some adults, whom Nazareth Area School District's educational technology director refers to as 'immigrants.'

Somewhat ironic is that while acknowledging the need to incorporate, adopt and understand natives' needs, the NASD is revising its electronic device policy and severely restricting their use during school and on school grounds.

Also, given the expense/investment, I hope the immigrants (adult teachers and admin) will be able to use the technology to more effectively teach the natives and deliver a good ROI for parents and taxpayers and not have it just for show.