Every year we learn more and more ways to integrate technology into all of our curriculum. We are seeing more teachers  collaborating throughout the grade levels and making opportunities for students to create fascinating projects using all types of programs ie…Pages, Word, SketchUp, Keynote, Power Point, Excel, Numbers, iPhoto, PhotoShop, iMovie, QuickTime, GarageBand, iDVD,and PhotoBooth, just to name a few.Ask your student about any of these programs and how they are used as extensions to learning in the classroom and at home!

Our lab of iMacs have been up and running since the first day of school. Students have been researching, producing reports, writing projects, and making use of Success Maker and typing tutors. If we had a lab teacher, the lab could be utilized further during  break times for students to complete work or research. Unfortunately, this has not been possible as a result of budget cuts this year. However, during any given time of day, there are always classes using their designated lab times with eager students applying their tech skills to lessons and units  being taught. We are also planning teacher training sessions that will help promote good software use and tech management.

Classroom computers continue to be used for classwork, Accelerated Reader, research, taking roll and producing classroom blogs for communicating with parents and the community. Many teachers are purchasing their own laptops to make their tech projects mobile and guard personal projects, lesson plans and grade books. Printers in classrooms are networked making color copies and Laser projects available to any Rio staff.

We are happy to have our site technician Erik Orgell return this year to continue the work of imaging computers, helping set up and maintain our network and assist the Rio staff with questions and challenges that come up. Erik is not a lab assistant or teacher and is not available to assist teacher’s classes in the lab. So, if you’re available to come in the lab with your child’s class, the teacher will really appreciate the help.

We anticipate that 2009 will be a great year of learning and integrating tech at Rio! We appreciate any help either physically or financially with technology at our school. If you want to participate in any way, please contact me at Rio Del Mar by phone: 688-2053 or email me at douglas_kyle@pvusd.net. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.