Written by: Eric Sheninger

Upon becoming Principal of New Milford High School over three years ago, it was decided after a needs assessment that more resources and professional development had to go into the area of educational technology.  I was fortunate enough to participate in two television shows that resulted in funds that normally don’t just fall into the hands of a high school administrator.  After researching and learning about how iPods and MacBooks were being utilized to engage learners, I quickly decided to purchase a mobile iPod learning lab (Bretford PowerSync cart, 28 nanos each with a recording device, Bose speaker system) and some MacBooks.  This was a relatively bold move at the time because the use of iPods in a classroom setting was non-existent in my school and PCs were the technology of choice. The next challenge was motivating my staff to use the iPods. Naturally my teachers were apprehensive.  After having Apple come in and train my teachers on podcasting, they were ready to begin integrating this technology into their instruction.

The following are two specific examples of activities where NMHS staff use the iPods:

1.     Economics (Linda Keesing-Media Specialist): As a reporter for the business section of The Record (local newspaper), you will create an audio podcast to accompany your newspaper article on the various facets of this economic crisis.  It is your job to learn more about the factors contributing to this crisis.  Your insights into potential remedies for it will be especially valuable.  You will explain why fiduciary responsibility in the private sector and federal oversight in the public sector are among the essential ingredients in maintaining a sound U.S. economy.  You will examine the question of the global nature of this crisis.  Your editors expect you to research these issues thoroughly so that you can explain them to your audience.

2.     American History 2 (Nicolette Perna): Students in American History II have just begun to study the 1920s. As an introductory activity, students are working to create podcast interviews dealing with the culture of the 1920s.  Students worked in pairs to conduct some research on the culture of the 1920s and then worked together to write an interview; one person as the interviewer, the other as someone that lived during the 1920s.  Students have the option to focus on one aspect of 1920s culture or do an overview of multiple aspects.  They will record their podcasts with their partners and then listen to and discuss them as a class.

The MacBooks were a huge hit, even with me.  After purchasing some of these laptops I began to use one on a regular basis.  I can now say that I have been converted from a PC to a Mac user and couldn’t be happier. The one feature that I like best when creating presentations is the “Grab” utility. It allows me to capture portions of content on web pages in a flash.  As far as my teachers go, below are 2 examples of how they have used the MacBooks:

1.     Biology (Keith Devereaux): Students were assigned an authentic learning project where they had to create vodcasts.  A description of the entire project can be viewed here: http://www.educatorsroyaltreatment.com/2009/08/authentic-learning-and-technology.html

2.     Applied Music Theory (Joe Andolino): Students created their own original music using Garageband and integrated a web 2.0 application.  A description of this project can be viewed at http://www.educatorsroyaltreatment.com/2009/10/macs-web-20-music-to-my-ears.html

I am extremely proud of my staff’s development of innovative projects using Apple products for engaging the learners of New Milford.  By sharing these success stories I hope to motivate and excite more NMHS staff members into using them on a regular basis.

*Thank you Eric for sharing the outstanding work that is happening at New Milford High School. It truly sounds like your school’s “bold” changes have had an impact on learning and instruction. I also want to thank you for being the first educator to shine a “spotlight” on the work that is happening in your school.

Readers: Please visit the edu.Mac.nation contact page if you are an administrator or teacher who is interested in sharing about your school or classroom.