Similarly, students can access
teacher resources through a classroom
website, collaborate with classes
in other buildings and school
districts to share knowledge using
Google Hangout, or develop a group
presentation in Google Slides.
“We intentionally trained teachers
and equipped them with devices
before launching the suite with
students,” Rizzo explains. “This way,
our technology helps teachers and
students solve problems, rather than
create them.”
With two full school years and full
implementation of the G Suite, the
District is currently in the process of
rolling out the next step in the technology
plan: one-to-one pairing of Districtprovided
Chromebooks to students.
“Students and teachers have had
the opportunity to use these tools
in class and at home, so we have an
understanding of how far we’ve been able
to come with the G Suite,” says Glasner.
“We’re at a point where now we feel that
one-to-one can take us to the next step.”
Among the next steps is the i3 Initiative, a collaborative effort of the District,
the Shaker Schools Foundation, and community members with a focus on Inquiry,
Imagination and Innovation. i3 reinforces the District’s IB goal of preparing students
to solve problems and think critically while supporting increased integration of
design learning experiences, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
curriculum for PreK-12, and accessibility to and use of leading edge technology and
tools across all classrooms.
“We need to make short-term gains, but take a big picture approach to investment
in curriculum and technology,” Glasner says. “Looking ahead, our classrooms must be
designed as collaborative spaces with improved access to technology, and our course
offerings must be aligned with 21st century needs and demands.”
Students at all levels
in Shaker Heights
Schools learn in
classrooms equipped
with smart boards
– interactive white
boards that can be
controlled from a
computer or used as
touch screen devices.
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