Bond Projects Bring New Technology

August 14, 2011

While most passers-by see all of the upgrades happening outdoors at Belding Area Schools (BAS), there are many upgrades happening inside the classroom as well.  The technology department at BAS has been busy all summer installing and upgrading equipment that will make classrooms more interactive than ever.

As part of the technology improvements, multimedia tools will be added to each classroom in the district.  These classrooms will contain much more than the standard overhead projector of the past.  “Our new multimedia classrooms will allow teachers to project a document onto an eight foot projection screen, then electronically manipulate it as the students watch,” said Mike Burde, director of instruction and technology at BAS.  “Ultimately, our students will benefit from our multimedia tools as our teachers use them to reinforce skills and competencies demanded by the globally-competitive workplace.”

In addition, all K-5 classrooms in the district are now equipped with four student Netbooks that allow students to have technology at their fingertips.  “In just one summer we have been able to add four student Netbooks to every kindergarten through fifth grade classroom in the district,” said Ryan Kelley, network engineer at BAS.  “By the summer of 2012, each of our students in grades six through 12 will have their own Netbook that will be their digital textbook.  Imagine the educational power in our district with this one-to-one technology.”

The multimedia classrooms include teacher and student wireless microphone, new ceiling mount projectors, 8’ screens, wireless Smart slate, and wireless routers to allow student Netbook internet access, and a four-speaker sound system.  Teachers began the school year training with their new classroom technology and how to best utilize it for the success and achievement of their students.  Sixth through 12th grade staff began initial training on the upcoming one-to-one initiative.

“It’s an exciting time at BAS,” added Burde.  “Students will have technology at their fingertips and our teachers will have interactive tools to assist them, keeping our students at the highest level of learning.”