Fort Plain puts a Smart Board in every classroom

   When Fort Plain Superintendent Douglas C. Burton arrived in the district about 10 years ago, he paired with the technology committee helped revamp the district’s technology plan. Their vision was to provide students and teachers with the technology-based infrastructure, tools, and training necessary to meet the demands of the information age.

Today, every classroom in the district (around 60) features a Smart Board, which is an interactive white board that is connected to a computer. A teacher operates the screen by touch or using a pen and he or she can use the Internet, create and update documents, conduct research, etc.

Both school libraries also function as media centers and house about 25 computers. Additionally, there are two computer labs in the elementary school and four in the Jr. /Sr. high school. Students also have access to computers in every classroom.

“One of my goals was to infuse technology into the curriculum so the students could have access to computers and the teachers could enhance their lessons,” Mr. Burton said. “During our capital project, we upgraded our infrastructure so we are in a good place moving forward.

“Also, all of the equipment in our labs is no older than 5 years old, and when the equipment hits that mark, it gets pushed out to the classrooms.”

Since Smart Boards arrived in the district four years ago, many teachers have incorporated them into the curriculum to enhance the learning experience. Every teacher in the district has some training with Smart Boards and many have reaped the benefits.

High School science teacher Lance Elliott – who’s using Smart Boards for the second year – recently used his Smart Board to show his Earth science students 3-D topographical maps of New York State. He also began a class with a 90-second YouTube clip on time zones.

“Because my course is so visual and so are the kids, they reach the point of understanding the material faster when I use the Smart Board. They can see 3-D examples of what I’m talking about,” Mr. Elliot said. “If the kids can see examples of things and a lesson is interactive, it’s easier for them.”

Mr. Elliott converted his entire course to PowerPoint and says he can now switch his focus from lesson planning to helping the students in weak areas.

At Harry Hoag Elementary, third grade teacher Matt Heiser was the first teacher in the district to receive a Smart Board. During the summer, Heiser attended a five-day Smart Board workshop and received certification.

Mr. Heiser says he uses the Smart Board daily to make charts and create interactive lessons. It also allows him to save lessons and use them again next year.

“It offers so much because you can design your own lessons and be as creative as you want,” he said. “During a lesson, you can go on the Internet right away.

“It promotes participation and kids love to use it."