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CARIBBEAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LAUNCHES MIAMI – The administrators and teachers of Caribbean Elementary School are preparing their students for the third millennium through the implementation of the distance learning project Teaching Through Technology (3T’s). Earlier this month, the project connected the school’s K-2 class for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with another class of similar students at Willard Shambaugh Elementary School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During the first part of the lesson, each teacher had their students introduce themselves utilizing a speech generated device as a means of communication. In the second part of the lesson, the children participated in setting a new world record through Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Campaign by reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Students also interacted simultaneously through props provided by their teachers to follow the sequence of events. The purpose of the lesson was to allow students to enhance their communication and social skills through interaction with other students from around the nation. Both classes will continue to collaborate on core curriculum subjects on a weekly basis. The 3T’s project has created an enthusiasm for innovative technology that will be incorporated in classes. Twenty-five teachers have already applied to start their own website at Caribbean Elementary. In addition, educators are being provided Professional Development in the usage and implementation of Digital Storytelling, Wiki’s, Blogs, and Voice thread. Caribbean Elementary School’s 3T’s Project will be expanded in the next two weeks to include General Education Classes. Plans are currently underway to connect a second grade class with a school in Cairo, Egypt. # # # 09-JJS/045/DF |
