Technology and Instruction

As the debate over the inclusion of technology in the classroom continues at a national level, Southern Cayuga CSD moves forward with an ambitious plan to provide all grade 3-12 students with an individual electronic device.  I firmly believe there’s still nothing more important than a good book, the power of debate, and getting knee deep into a challenging problem; yet we do recognize the need to prepare students for an ever-changing world and the role of technology in their lives.
 
In simplest terms, technology is a tool, a bit more advanced than paper, pencil, and textbook, but simply a tool to enhance learning.  In a world where textbooks are quickly outdated, technology provides valuable current information, perspective, and even tutorials on how to solve a quadratic equation.  Technology allows students to learn at their own pace and the opportunity for them to review information with a critical eye.  Our current technology course offerings at the secondary level include robotics and computer programming, both of which improve problem-solving skills and learning through trial and error.  As William Faulkner once stated, “The young man or the young woman must possess or teach himself, train himself, in infinite patience, which is to try and to try and to try until it comes right.”  Teaching persistence and grit is a critical component to an effective education in the 21^st century.
 
The one-to-one technology initiative marks the successful end to a multi-year effort to build an expansive and reliable network, increase access to online resources, and provide devices to all students.  As we look to the future, the district will continue to pilot new opportunities for students, such as drone and virtual reality technologies, and ensure our technology assets are refreshed in a timely manner.   The district’s technology plan outlines our plans for the next three years and can be found on our webpage under the district tab for Smart Schools Bond.

by Superintendent Jensen