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They come from diverse backgrounds and upbringings. They are young and vibrant, intelligent and eager to learn. They are driven by a thirst for technology. Although each is a unique individual, collectively they are our future. They are the students of Beaufort County School District.
The days of traditional, lecture-style instruction and learning are becoming a thing of the past. Instruction is more and more led by the students while the teacher guides them. No longer are educators restricted to the pages of a textbook to "cover content."
As we continue to progress in the 21st century, we must also progress in our educational system. The world we live in is competitive, challenging and technology-centered. Whether we are digital immigrants or digital tourists, we all know that our students are digital natives. They were born in this digital, high-tech age. Their social lives revolve around technology -- texting, Facebook, Skyping, blogging. Beaufort County School District acknowledges that today's learners are ones that integrate technology seamlessly and effortlessly in their everyday lives, taking advantage of technology tools to make the world their classroom. We are now revolutionizing our mode of instruction to reach these learners and prepare them for successful futures.
Across the county, principals and teachers are finding new and exciting ways to reach their students. The implementation of the interactive white boards in core instructional areas was a pivotal milestone. These giant "computers" allow teachers to expand horizons and challenge learners in ways previously not possible.
Imagine learning about gravitational forces in physics class. Looking at images in textbooks and reading explanations do not provide the same experience. However, riding a roller coaster and feeling the different gravitational forces creates a real-life experience.
Through virtual field trips, we are able to take our students to places they could only dream of going and provide them with real-life applications to build better understanding, without leaving the walls of our classrooms.
Beaufort County is thinking "outside the box." A Nintendo Wii Fitness lab promotes healthy lifestyles and exercise amongst elementary students. iPod touches are enabling non-native speakers to learn English and become more productive members of society. Specialized software applications are used in all schools to ensure that no learner is left behind.
Students have access to these applications outside of school as well. Book reports and research projects are no longer tedious pages of typed text. Now these projects come to life as students create multimedia presentations complete with visuals, audio and motion. Robotics is teaching processing skills that are required in the work force. Geocaching enables the class to explore and learn using navigational skills and handheld Global Positioning Systems. The new class and teacher Web sites will provide parent and student portals for effective communication and collaboration with the classroom teacher.
The opening of the Whale Branch Early College High School will be a radical step as we partner with the Technical College of the Lowcountry for an innovative approach to learning. As students earn their high school diplomas, they also will have the opportunity to earn their associates degree in five high-demand career fields. Technology will enable them to pave the way for a successful future.
To some, these new technologies may seem out of place in the confines of our schools. However, it is undeniable that children today are different than previous generations. If we intend to reach all learners -- preparing them for their futures and ensuring that they graduate from high school with the skills and competencies needed for meaningful post-secondary work or college -- we must change our perception of teaching and continue to provide every opportunity for success.
Beaufort County School District is committed to leading the way for our students.
Valerie Truesdale is the superintendent of the Beaufort County School District
