Dr. Jim McIntyre, Superintendent of the Knox County Schools, recently announced the winning schools of the School Technology Challenge, which is an internal competition for selected schools to begin a 1:1 technology effort (one technology device for each one student, and each one teacher).  Interested schools went through an application process, and a total of 28 schools applied for consideration in this pilot initiative.

 

“We believe selecting a small, representative sample of schools to embrace instructional technology will leverage the creativity and expertise within our schools, build capacity for future expansion, and demonstrate success in schools across our community,” McIntyre said.  “With this initiative, parents, teachers, stakeholders and taxpayers will be able to see how instructional technology is enhancing education right in their own neighborhood.”

 

As a result of the process, eleven schools will implement 1:1 Personalized Learning Devices beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. The following selected schools were excited to share their vision for 1:1 technology:

 

Bearden High School, “The future is now. Students must be able to find, understand, create and communicate information. Technology is a valuable tool to excite and energize the next generation of learners.”

 

South-Doyle High School, “This is not about the simple acquisition of technology, but the opportunities to use tools in a way that supports a complete transformation in the way we are able to teach our students.”

 

Holston Middle School, “Personalized learning environments will enable, empower, and engage all students. It will enhance learner-centered instruction facilitated by teachers utilizing problem/project based learning.”

 

West Valley Middle School, “This opportunity meets students where they are and allows them to move forward at an individualized pace. It will create experiences that appeal to each student’s interests.”

 

Vine Middle School – Per the recommendation of Dr. Jim McIntyre, Superintendent of the Knox County Schools, on March 18, 2013, the Board of Education supported efforts to expand the magnet theme at Vine Middle School to a rigorous “STEAM” curriculum to further enhanced offerings in the performing arts and STEM disciplines.

 

Halls Elementary School, “Because of the move to Common Core in Tennessee, we see the need to also transition our instructional practices. This will do allow us the opportunity to do that.”

 

Corryton Elementary School, “Staff will be able to continuously challenge students at their own instructional level.”

 

Mooreland Heights Elementary School, “Personalized learning environments will incorporate various technological components to meet needs and further aid educators to  close achievement gaps.”

 

Norwood Elementary School, “Because information is dynamic in nature, technology becomes the vehicle for students to find information and make discoveries and connections, which might be cumbersome, or even impossible, in a static “book” focused world.”

 

Sterchi Elementary School, “We are primed to take the next steps to seamlessly integrate further technology into our daily learning process. It will ensure success for every child.”

 

Bonny Kate Elementary School, “Our focus is on the visionary shift in how teachers will present instruction and the excitement that will further spark student ownership in their learning.”

 

This School Technology Challenge is part of FY14, Facilitated Personalized Learning Supported by Technology, which will bring 1:1 technology into Knox County Schools.

 

Melissa Ogden