Technology to Go Puts Cutting-Edge Devices in the Classroom
In the 21st century classroom, robots and circuitry are becoming as common as books and pencils, and Ulster BOCES has introduced a unique new program to help put cutting-edge tech tools in the hands of students.
Technology to Go, offered through Ulster BOCES Instructional Services Model Schools program, allows participating districts to borrow a variety of devices to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, project-based learning, flipped classrooms, blended learning, and Makerspaces.
"We always had a small collection that we would lend out," said instructional specialist Cynthia Farrell, who oversees Technology to Go. "We decided to expand the collection because we wanted to provide our districts with access to new and emerging technology."
In its inception years ago, the Model Schools lending library included just books. Nowadays, teachers can also borrow Cubelets and Ozobots, Makey Makey devices, Raspberry Pi, and plenty more, including audio recorders, computers, iPods, 3D printers, cameras, graphing calculators, and even a set of Google Cardboard Virtual Reality devices.
The devices and their applications are limited only by the imagination of teachers and students using them. Students can learn basic coding by programming small robots to perform simple functions, while cameras and iPads can be used for digital storytelling in English Language Arts. As students work with the devices, they not only learn subject area content, but also important skills like computational and design thinking.
"They're learning the skills of problem solving and perseverance," Farrell said, noting that working in coding or similar disciplines involves some trial and error, which teaches persistence. "They have a sense of accomplishment when they see that they persevered."
Teachers typically borrow the Technology to Go devices, some of which are available in class sets, for about half a marking period. Technology to Go is available to all districts that subscribe to the Ulster BOCES Model Schools cooperative service.
