Western New York Maritime Charter School and its faculty are committed to the successful integration of technology into teachings and learnings throughout the school on a daily basis. We believe that effective technology integration must happen across a curriculum in ways that deepen and enhance the learning process.
The school technology includes the following list which will expand throughout the school year:
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Two computer labs equipped with 20 and 10 Dell computers. These computers contain Microsoft Office 2007 as well as several mathematical software programs such as Geometer's SketchPad.
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Four interactive SMARTBoards. The SMARTBoard is a interactive, electronic whiteboard which can enhance instruction and learning. The SMART Notebook software makes it possible for teachers to create content rich, dynamic lessons which address specific student skills.
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Five Digital Projectors that can be connected to any PC or Lap top to broadcast the screen of the computer.
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Computer Based Learning. Interactive software and video simulations are used in a learning setting where course content is reviewed and extended, exam preparation occurs, and realistic and abstract course related simulations are created and played out ( historical combat, business simulations, sports, and civilization development games)
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Classroom Performance Systems (CPS). These remotes are part of a computer-based system that enables instructors to collect immediate feedback from their students using remote control devices ("clickers") and a portable receiver. These are used for assessments, polling and voting, and asking contextual questions for a lesson.
The teachers of Western New York Maritime Charter School believe in technology and practice the successful integration of technology on a consistent basis. The educators are continually exploring new ways and methods to use technology more effectively inside the classroom.
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Eric Fenar in regards to using the computer lab and Net Support for almost of his classes; “Students nowadays love technology. It’s amazing to see how the students come into my classroom and can’t wait to {get going} in their learning. Everything I use and teach they WILL see on a daily basis once they reach the real world. I use Net Support which is a system that allows me to interact with either just one student or the entire class while maintaining my position at my desk. This system also gives me the option to chat with students. In a computer lab it’s also hard to keep an eye on all students; this system allows me to record all students interactions during a class period.”
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Dan Tracz in regards to creating a Web based classroom; “I enjoy teaching math where it is in a form accessible to my students. Whether it be constructing buildings, banking, whatever, I guarantee you technology is the driving force of everything that is happening now. The times have changed. This technology augmented instruction also prepares them for college. I think the biggest shock for me was once I got into college, I was alone. I had to become completely self reliant. The technology, while at first may be a crutch, teaches this independence and makes you a more productive learner.”
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Rob Fetter in regards to SMARTBoard usage; “It is interactive. Users can be contributing directly by input both at the computer and at the board. The combination I liked best was for the teacher to be stationed at the computer, with students at the board and in the class offering suggestions and physically contributing ideas and actions. The interaction that transpires between the person at the computer, the users at the board, and the computer itself is a unique and very adaptable arrangement.”
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Bruce Morrison in regards to using gaming and simulations in the classroom; "All students are not alike. Computer based learning applies an approach to teaching and learning based on this knowledge, and provides students with multiple options for learning information and understanding complex inter-relationships and concepts. By presenting the curriculum to learners through a variety of flexible, student-centered interactive software and video simulations, knowledge is constructed across diverse whole-class, group and individual levels."
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