How does technology help us grow as learners?
Technology is meant to increase productivity and accessibility!
On the Middle School floor, we have ordered a number of high-tech and low-tech equipment and tested them for increased productivity in an accessible learning environment.
- Educational Programs: Google Classroom, Prodigy, Khan Academy, etc.
- Equipment and technology: noise cancellation headphones, fidgets, floor pedals, chair bands, and slant white boards
What is low-tech? Low-tech devices are less complex equipment or devices that help with previously challenging activities. Ex: yellow highlighter, pencil grips, dictionaries, and index cards
What is high-tech? High-tech devices are more specialized equipment that meets the needs of students. Ex: laptops, projectors, communication devices, computer software, and magnifiers
Flyers are posted in the classrooms to remind students that anyone can grab an equipment or device if needed to optimize focus and learning.
"The chair bands are helpful because you can fidget with your feet and it doesn't distract you because you're not using your hands to fidget. You can bounce your feet on it so it's comfortable. The noise cancellation headphones don't block the hearing all the way, so you can still hear a good amount of the sound...It helps me focus when doing independent work." - Noah, 5th grade

"If it's hard to focus and it's too loud, the noise cancellation headphones help block out the sound...For the tactile seat, some people feel comfortable and they want to stay in their seats, rather than getting up and walking around. They don't want to get up because the seat is more comfortable." - Laia, 4th grade
"I like to have things to play with in my hands and the chair bands gives us something to do while we are working...The noise cancellations headphones are helpful because when kids are listening to music and some kids don't like those songs, they can block out the noise from those songs." - Abigail, 4th grade