Club 21 facilitates SMARTer learning environment

By Julia Kim Staff Writer IB and AP Spanish Literature teacher Patrick Melville utilizes his new Smart Board technology while teaching his classes. Photo by Aditi Shrikant. Students may observe teachers attempting to integrate the newest addition of technology—SMART Boards, SMART Slates, SMART Document Cameras, iPod Touches, Flip Cams and MacBooks—into their lesson plans. In 2008, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Turner was the Design Team Leader for Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas, a document illustrating the possibilities for the future of public education. With this initiative and in the move towards 21st century learning, CISD offered teachers the opportunity to apply to be a part of Club 21. Eleven teachers and six…

Students and teachers anticipate ‘Smart’ 2010-11 school year

by Ashley Attanucci Staff Writer As students know, Smart Boards were installed over spring break in several teachers’ classrooms. The boards, however, were not connected until just recently and even with the little curriculum left to teach, teachers are making good use of their new technology. From jeopardy games to throwing Koosh balls at the screen to drawing diagrams, Smart Boards have a purpose in every class subject.  “They just finally got it hooked up for me so I’ve still been playing with it,” social studies teacher Michael Brock said. “The things I’ve been using with it most is being able to draw movement or directions on the map.”  Teachers are mostly excited for the…