islanda

HUGO - Hugo Schools are erasing the need for chalkboards in the classroom.

Hugo recently received an Education Technology Grant in the amount of $75,000, paving the way for SMARTboards, LCD projectors and AirLiner slates to be installed in its classrooms.

Not only does the grant provide technology equipment, it provides training for teachers.

Maria Herron, a computer teacher at Hugo Elementary School, has been teaching basic SMARTboard skills to other Hugo teachers.  Teachers, in some instances, are learning from the students. The installation of the boards has generated much excitement from both teachers and students.

"The kids are great with technology and are teaching the teachers how to use them," said High School principal, Debbie Golden.  Training will be on-going and subject specific.

The white SMARTboards are touch-controlled screens that work with a projector and computer.  Users can write on the boards with digital ink or use a finger to perform other computer functions.  AirLiners are laptop-size units that allow the teacher or students to draw or input information on the large board from anywhere in the room.

The equipment has been installed in the elementary, intermediate and high school. Along with this grant, the Hugo Foundation and Title 1 Grant money, the majority of Hugo's classrooms will have SMARTboards. The OK-ACTS GEAR UP program will be providing funding for boards in the Middle School.

Teachers can create problems, lessons or slide shows on the devices through the provided software.  They can also use the Internet Web pages on the topics they are covering.  

In social studies classes, the use of pull-down maps will be eliminated as real-time maps are available through the Web.

The district has made sure that all technology installed in the high school can be easily transferred into a new "Hugo High School."

The use of the SMARTboards will put the standard textbook on the back burner to be used as a resource to supplement lessons.

Chalkboards are becoming a thing of the past. Gone will be the chalk dust. The teacher will no longer have dust on his or her dress or slacks.  Students will never know the punishment of having to "dust the erasers."