New technology is being embraced by more and more educators in an effort to prepare students for bright and advanced futures. Children are needing to constantly develop their skills utilizing devices and applications, and Christina Butkiewicz is making sure her teachers know how to explain it.
Christina became the Instructional Technology Specialist for Saylor Elementary when Ms. Greer retired. Each school in the district has one. They are in charge of the computers, iPads, and all other technology in the building. Christina is there for tech support when staff or students have questions.
“I had a base knowledge of Technology and I’m excited to learn more,” she says. “When we get new things I enjoy showing them to everyone else. I want to show them how to do something bigger with them.”
Christina first came to Saylor as an Assistant Teacher. She was looking for a job that held the same hours as her children’s school schedule, and found her place in the IT Department. She showed a knack for helping students understand the material their teacher gave them.
That experience came in handy when she applied for the ITS. Adults tend to struggle more with new technology than our children, because we did not grow up around it. Giving students the opportunity to explore the growing tech industry, as early as possible, is creating a lifelong adaptability to new ideas.
“Getting students used to tech now is important because everything outside is done through technology. Job applications, college applications, placing orders. People who are scared of technology are at a disadvantage.”
Christina’s students are far from afraid.
“They’re excited about it, they want to learn. They are not afraid to get on [their devices] and try different things. They absorb each new thing you show them.”
The school has a supply of computers and Chromebooks that is not "one-to-one" yet, but it is heading there. Classes get more computer time as they get older.
Kindergartners are familiar with their tablets at home so at school they are taught how to use a mouse. In first grade, they learn about Google Docs, internet access and safety, and how to get on the testing apps utilized by the school. Typing instruction begins in first grade and gets more complex as they age. Third graders get their own email. Christina teaches 3rd through 5th grades the intricacies of online mail, starting with how to change and secure passwords. Next is how to share files on Google Drive.
From the very beginning, traditional subjects are incorporated into the technology curriculum. Kids can play games that enhance their Math and English studies.They have eLearning programs that allow teachers to communicate lessons during snow days, so that kids do not have to make up lost hours in the summer.
“Technology is a great thing because you can reach a lot of people at once,” Christina, who also teaches a Sunday school class at Barington Ridge Baptist Church, says. “You can do video chat, conferences, virtual classrooms. It is an enhancement, not a replacement. I’m hoping that all of the students and teachers that come into contact with our Chromebooks feel confident using them. That they find new and different ways to use them for learning.”
Christina’s own family uses a lot of technology at home, thanks to the programs at her kids’ schools and the knowledge Christina acquired at Saylor. She looks forward to learning more.
“I love to share what I know with kids. When the light comes on you can see them think about what you’ve taught them, and how they are going to use it for something else.”