Doug Spicher's seventh-grade science students focused intensely on the assignment at hand — an Internet-based computer program that allowed them to manipulate the color of a rabbit and its surrounding environment to teach natural selection and species survival.
The room at Wilde Lake Middle was relatively quiet. There was no clamoring over shared computers with Internet access. Each student worked on his or her own laptop.
"This is much easier, and they have total control," Spicher said while watching his students work diligently on the assignment. "It is a better learning experience for them."
A year ago, this lesson would have involved construction paper, taken a couple of days compared to a 30-minute class period, and been a lot less engaging, according to Spicher. But two pilot programs that resulted in wireless Internet access and 180 new netbook computers at the school have re-energized both students and staff.
The additional computers mean that at a given time, almost every one of the school's 480 students has access to a computer.
The programs also coincide with a technology initiative championed by Principal Thomas Saunders, who took over the school in the fall after an eight-year stint at Elkridge Landing Middle.
"It is awesome," Saunders said of the pilots. "It has been a great addition to the school."
The school hosted a technology open house Thursday, at which school system officials and community members visited classrooms and observed just how students and staff are using the new technology, which arrived at the school in February and March. Superintendent Sydney L. Cousin was joined by board members Sandra French and Allen Dyer and the school system's chief operating officer, Terry Alban.
"I think it is fascinating," said French. "It's seems to make a great deal of sense. The students seem to love it."
Alban said she was thrilled by what she witnessed at the school.
"It supports what we want for the future of the school system," she added.
Wilde Lake Middle was able to receive the pilots due in large part to Saunders, who serves on the school system's Technology Taskforce. He immediately volunteered the school for the pilots, which fit into his learning approach called H.E.A.T., which stands for Higher order thinking skills, Engagement of student learners, Authentic problem-solving and Technology use. The approach sets up the framework for teachers to properly structure their lessons, according to Saunders.
