Going High Tech
Teachers prepare for students coming to new campus
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com

L-N Photos by Quala Matocha Eighth grade teacher Brenda Tomanek demonstates the newest technology at the El Campo Middle School campus Thursday, a document camera (seen above) that can cast images through a ceiling mounted visual projector called an "Elmo."

The finishing touches are complete and El Campo Middle School students and teachers are ready for class to start at the new campus on FM 2765 Monday.

Over the past week, teachers and staff have spent their after-school hours preparing their classrooms at the new facility.

"We have been getting ready for the kids to come over," eighth grader reading teacher Brenda Tomanek said. "The kids are very excited."

Equipped with some of the latest technology, each room will have the capability of accessing the internet and presenting class material using a visual presenter and document camera.

According to Tomanek, she and other instructors are excited about the way they will be able to introduce lessons and new material to their students.

Using what she calls an "Elmo," a visual presenter mounted to the ceiling of each classroom, teachers can cast images of class work through this device onto a dry-erase board from the document camera, the teacher's personal computer, DVDs or view television.

Above, Tomanek uses a remote control device to change viewing visuals from the document camera, to items from her computer. Students can also view television and DVDs through Elmo. Teachers and students will be at the new campus Monday.

"The document camera takes the place of an overhead projector," Tomanek said. "It is just awesome that these kids can experience this kind of technology."

This will also minimize the use of paper as teachers will be Xeroxing less student handouts.

Every room will also have two up-to-date computers for student use, most of which are being transferred from the old campus. Each teacher will have a new flat screen computer and a printer utilized from the old campus.

While the new technology will be a change for most, Tomanek said, "Everyone is having a positive attitude. It's a big change for some. Some of us are comfortable, but for those who are not there will be training. I think it's helping those skeptical of the technology to just get thrown into it."

A teacher's phone for classroom to classroom calls, as well as outside calls is available in each room. No longer will instructors have to retrieve notes from their teacher's box. Calls will be recorded by voice mail for easy access.

Tomanek says she is grateful to those who have made the new campus a place where the latest technology is available for student learning.

"I just wanted to include a big thank you to the taxpayers of ECISD." Tomanek said. "They have provided our youth with a state of the art school which I know will lead to great advancements in technology education in our district."