Dear Anthony Wayne Parents and Community Members,

We live in a technology and media-driven environment that allows access to an abundance of information within seconds.  Today’s 21st Century education must include teaching students a wide range of functional and critical thinking skills that involve the utilization of technology for informational, media, and communications literacy.  Anthony Wayne Local Schools recognizes this and outlines the need to integrate technology into academic instruction to develop these literacy skills in its continuous improvement plan.  The Anthony Wayne Local School District is currently piloting several different technology based initiatives to determine possibilities for future utilization within academic instruction. Below, are just a few of the examples of how technology is being utilized within academic instruction to improve student achievement in informational, media, and communications literacy.

High School Social Studies teacher Jason Apgar is utilizing web-based applications like Google, Dropbox and Turnitin.com within daily classroom activities.  With the utilization of this technology, the student-to-student and student-to-teacher communication has increased dramatically.   For example, student collaboration on classroom activities through filesharing has increased student productivity and resulted in a paperless classroom.

High School Science teacher David Johnson has given students access to their own Google account (E-mail and Google Docs).  Class schedules, homework assignments, labs and other pertinent communication are handled through the Google accounts.  Each student has access to the online textbook, as well as the traditional, paper-based textbook.  The digital version of the textbook is linked to simulations of concepts and an online homework component.  Students use a Chromebook, (an internet only laptop-like device) which gives students complete access to the online resources (primarily Google accounts and the textbook) throughout the school day.

Anthony Wayne Junior High Spanish teacher, Jennifer Gierhart is using technology to "flip" the classroom.  The concept is simple: take what is traditionally done in the classroom (teacher led instruction, lecture, etc.) and move that out of the classroom.  Then, take what is traditionally done at home (the vital practice of skills) and move that into the classroom where it can be teacher monitored and assisted.  Using technology is a key component to this style of teaching.  By using the SMART Board Notebook software, Mrs. Gierhart is able to record pencasts of grammatical instruction, which is then uploaded to ClipBucket.   Using GarageBand, audio files are created for the pronunciation of all vocabulary.  Through Moodle, the district's e-learning software platform, pencasts and audio files are posted to the Internet for students to view outside of class.  These pencasts and audio files are archived on Moodle.  This ensures that absent students do not miss out on instruction and that all students are able access and review the information again as needed. Class time is freed up to more easily differentiate for varying student needs and ability levels, and also to do more student-led, authentic, and communicative activities.

Anthony Wayne Junior High School technology teacher Rick Yunker has students using Google Docs, Google Spreadsheet, Google Presentation, and Google Draw to learn about financial literacy.  Whether students are using Google Docs to create their first resume and cover letter, using Google Spreadsheet to create their own personal budget or using Google Presentation to put together a Mock presentation to the chamber of commerce about opening a new business, Google Apps allows for more efficient classroom management and communication.  It allows the students to create and share their document with a peer for a peer evaluation.  This allows the peer evaluator to offer suggestions and comments prior to turning in the assignment.  This use of technology also allows students to access assignments and turn in assignments from any Internet web browser.

Students are using Kindles for independent book study, buddy reading, literature circles, or self-selected reading time in Monclova fourth grade teacher Lisa Dick’s classroom.  One great feature of the Kindle is that it allows students to use the dictionary feature (gives them definitions) just by placing the cursor next to the word.

Fourth Grade Whitehouse teacher Shane Pransky is using laptops, iPads, and the Smartboard are utilized to provide math instruction, student practice, and remediation within the classroom.

Anthony Wayne Local Schools are currently in the process of reviewing technology initiatives such as Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT), One-on-One Programs, and Blended programs (BYOT & One-on-One).  In the review process, teachers and administrators are determining the “Why? What?, and the How?” of these programs. Answers to these questions are essential in moving forward with the best programming for students.  In addition to these programs, the district is exploring the use of in-district student e-mail along with access to Google Docs within select grades in the district.  The Anthony Wayne Local Schools are currently exploring on-line coursework for high school students that would allow for credit-recovery, additional coursework outside of what our district offers, and potential course offerings to homeschooled students and community school students who live in the district.  The Ohio Department of Education requires public school districts to provide learning opportunities that result in career- and college-ready students.  The Anthony Wayne Local Schools will provide learning opportunities to prepare students for any postsecondary education or training experiences.  To prepare students for the 21st century learning environment, technology must be integrated into the learning experiences.  Anthony Wayne Local Schools will continue to explore all aspects of technology for integration into the curriculum.

Sincerely,

Jim Fritz, Superintendent