Technology is the way of now as well as the way of the future. Everywhere you go, you see people walking down the street with a cellphone in hand or looking at their laptop at a local coffee shop. Jobs are now asking for computer skills, many times much more advanced than individuals were taught in school. That is why Haddonfield Public Schools are working to incorporate technology into their curriculum.
“Technology is a huge part of students’ daily lives today. Our students use tablets, laptops and phones at home as part of their everyday lives. To stay relevant, we try to work to get technology into the curriculum as much as we can,” Elizabeth Haddon Principal Gerry Bissinger said.
One teacher who is really leading the way with incorporating new technology and digital media in the classroom is Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School third-grade teacher Debbie Adams. Adams, a nationally board-certified teacher in her third year teaching at the school, recently had her hard work recognized as she was named one of only 100 educators from across the country as a 2015 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator.
PBS LearningMedia, the on-demand digital media service from PBS offering more than 100,000 digital resources for educators, announced the 100 educators selected for the 2015 Innovators program last month. The program, in its third year, recognizes tech-savvy K-12 educators who are serving as leaders in the education technology space and incorporating digital media in classrooms.
“We are thrilled to honor this group of teachers who are bringing innovation to the classroom every day and to provide them with professional development opportunities and resources that will continue to elevate them in today’s 21st-century classrooms,” said Alicia Levi, vice president of PBS Education.
Adams is a leader at integrating technology as she engages her students with creative projects that promote 21st-century learning.
“I feel like technology encourages students to be creative, explore innovative ideas and sparks students’ curiosity and imagination,” Adams said.
Bissinger found out about the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator award through assistant superintendent Mike Wilson, who recommended it as a way to recognize a teacher who uses technology in the classroom. Although the school has a lot of teachers who use and promote students to use technology, Adams stood out in his mind because of her creativity and experience with technology and encouraged her to apply.
“First, I was honored that he thought of me and that I stood out to him. When I found out, I was obviously very excited to be named one of the top 100 in the nation,” Adams said.
“I think it is great. It really highlights her talent and speaks to the enriching and engaging experience she is providing students. The students have a place to share ideas and express themselves with her, and that is an important part of learning,” Bissinger said.
For being named a 2015 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator, Adams will receive year-long professional development opportunities that include virtual trainings, access to premium and exclusive resources from PBS LearningMedia Custom service, invitations to special events and access to a free PBS TeacherLine professional development course. She will also receive ongoing support in the community from the local PBS member stations.
The award speaks not only of Adams, but of the schools as well. Without the technology provided by the school district and the encouragement of different digital uses in the classroom, the possibility of the Digital Innovator award wouldn’t be possible.
“I think it means recognition not only for Debbie, but for all faculty, staff, students and parents. It speaks to the creative learning happening here and the integration of technology and 21st-century skills,” Bissinger said.
“I think it shows that we have a lot of high-quality learning and instruction going on at the school. It is a lot bigger than me. We all use technology, and I’ve learned a lot from other people. This shows we have some great teachers in our district,” Adams said.
Because technology is always changing, it can be hard to keep up. However, Elizabeth Haddon is excited for this change and to grow along with it. According to Bissinger and Adams, there are some cool things coming out of the Elizabeth Haddon in regard to technology.
It is offering a Minecraft Club after school for students who are interested in Minecraft and learning the ways they can use this platform educationally. It is also looking into exploring 3D printing. As the middle school has started doing it, it too wants to see if it can be incorporated at the elementary level. Something else it is looking into is developing a mini unit integrated into classrooms around coding, which has become an important skill.
“I just am excited. Technology is always changing and growing, and that gives us the opportunity as a school for us to continue to grow. We’re always asking what we can do better and exploring some innovative, new thing,” Bissinger said.
“Integrating technology on a daily basis with student learning is the way of the future,” Adams said.
