Technology Is Integral
At SoRo School

At South Royalton School, technology enhances student learning in numerous ways.

"Robotics students gain engineering problem-solving skills," commented Mr. Will Brooks. "The students build robots and program them to do numerous tasks using control motors, light sensors, and touch sensors. Legos are used for ease in assembly and the programming language is icon-based, easy to learn and powerful."

Also taught at SoRo is CAD, industry-standard software used in modeling and design. Brooks said that a former student told him that this class prepared him to ace a CAD course at Vermont Technical College.

The SoRo business curriculum changed this year to provide computer programming. Mr. Clint Hepner teaches Java and Python languages. In other classes he teaches students HTML and CSS, languages used to create web pages, in addition to word processing and spreadsheets.

The Smartboard, a white "chalkboard" with computer-linked sensors, is used in several classrooms. By touching or digitally pointing to the screen, students and teachers can manipulate computer programs, multimedia applications, write notes, and then edit, save, and print information for reference.

Mr. Bill Goldsworthy said this is a vital, interactive tool in math class. Mrs. Nichole Vielleux said fourth-grade students valued the Smartboard enough to request its use during their snack time.

Technology is present in other ways, including the use of multimedia projectors linked to computers and mobile computer labs. The projectors enable teachers to display information from the Internet, DVDs, and more to the entire class.

Software, such as PowerPoint, and Photo Story, helps students to present information in visually-friendly ways.

Community-Based Learning students tap into technology, as well. Mrs. Mary Waterman noted, "This year a student is working with CATV/8 (Community Access TV) to develop a video documentary."

Noting that technology growth can be costly, she concluded, "We strive for a balance between local technology funds and grants from private foundations and government sources.

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