AMARILLO, TEXAS -- As technology continues to expand and grow, our school district's need to do the same to keep up. Region 16 is doing just that through educating teachers, administrators and school board members. With technology upgrades and the latest gadgets coming out almost on a daily basis. Students, as young as kindergarten aged, are walking into classrooms already technology savvy. It's Region 16 efforts to keep up, that Pronews 7 is spotlighting in our education report.
"The world is right there at their finger tips they can see anything, do anything because it's so easy to access now," said Tammy Swartz, Region 16 Coordinator of Technology.
It's that easy accessibility that has Region 16 keeping up with the "digital age" student. Where, in many classrooms, students each have a laptop or iPad creating endless possibilities.
"Kids are going in watching video conferences of a heart surgery they can talk to a surgeon, ask questions, blow the heart up so they can see it. It's just amazing," adds Swartz.
"If we can be that model, be that indispensible part of their world then that not only helps us, but help student performance," said Ray Cogburn, Region 16 Deputy Director of Administrative Services.
Added technology is not only opening up new learning possibilities for students, but teachers as well.
"Teachers can collaborate, they can start their own groups maybe math teachers just want to talk about math, but maybe a math teacher wants to talk to an english teacher and say, "hey, what could I do to help you in your subject while am teaching mine?" It's just not only endless for students, its endless for teachers as well," said Swartz.
On Monday, Region 16 is hosting a conference. It's free to educators and board members. It's called, "Teaching the 21st Century Student".
