Vote Medford 2005

Q3: Computer-skills Curriculum

In today's technologically advanced society, how would you rate Medford's implementation of the K-12 computer-skills curriculum, and its quality of equipment and teacher training?

Blackburn: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

Ms. Blackburn declined to take part in this questionnaire.

Brady: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

Medford ranks 35 out of 327 districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in number of students per computer (2.3).  All our new school have state of the art technology set-ups.  We have provided many courses to our faculty to upgrade their technology skills.  We also participate in the Tritec Collaborative which is a leading program for technology use in the classroom.  This program features project based units and has received several federal grant awards.

Cincotti : Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

I would rate it favorably at this point, The quality of our computer equipment was state of the art at the time of implantation of our new schools How ever state of the art will always need to be upgraded

Cugno: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

Compared to other schools I would say we have a great program. Our new schools have state of the art equipment, therefore our technology and highly qualified teachers are at their best. It amazes me to see the younger students comprehend and learn in this fun, fast paced technological environment. The high school is a different situation because being an older building makes the cost of placing state of the art equipment more expensive. Because of budgetary reasons it is difficult to bring the whole system up to date. However, as far as being competitive with our surrounding towns it is very competitive.

DiGiantommaso: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

As the computer age began, the Medford Public Schools put in a five-year plan to acquire computers and keep updating them.

Kulik: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

Because of the recent opening of the new school buildings at the K-8 level, Medford has one of the best computers to student ratios in the state, with adequate modern equipment in place. However, it is my understanding that the High School does not have this same level of computer equipment. Additionally, computer equipment rapidly becomes obsolete as more advanced technologies become available. We must be vigilant that our equipment does not become inadequate. As a computer software engineer, I am keenly aware of the advancements in hardware, software, and curriculum integration that are needed to take full advantage of computer technology.

Regarding the computer-skills curriculum, I believe that we can do better than the current instruction. While it is important to learn about word processing and how to research information on the internet, I think that this instruction can be taken much further, and can be better integrated with the mainstream classroom activities. Touch-typing should be taught at the elementary level. Students should be taught and encouraged to build web pages and compose music or video segments. Mathematical and scientific explorations on the computer can go well beyond static textbook presentations. And, students need to be taught how to discern accurate information from misleading or extraneous data that abounds on the Internet.

Pompeo: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

I would rate Medford's K-12 computer skills program, it's quality of equipment and teacher training on a scale of 1-10:  9.5.  All students K-8 are scheduled one hour/week for computer instruction on up to date equipment.  They have access to the internet, cable T.V. and video distribution systems.

At the high school level there are six electives in technology from Basic to Advanced, including Keyboarding, word processing, power point and web page design technology.  More than 50 workshops have been available for the professional development of teachers over the past four years.

Skerry: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

We have one of the best student-computer ratios in the state. With the advent of new schools, our equipment is state of the art and current While computer labs provide multiple options for teachers, staff and students.

Technology in the schools continues to be updated and Faculty and Staff have ample opportunities for in service training.

Van der Kloot: Q3 - Computer-skills Curriculum

A few years ago, I was actively involved with this issue because I was getting feedback from parents and students that the then required computer class at the high school was a waster of time because the students already knew the material offered. Our computer savvy kids were completely ahead of us. Course content has been updated and students can now opt to take a variety of classes from novice to those offering more advanced skills.

At the middle school, the technology labs enable students to have a variety of experiences which serve to allow students to expand the basic computer skills learned in elementary school. Medford has a good computer to student ratio of one computer to every 2.3 students placing us within the top 10% of school districts in the state. Of course, equipment needs to be constantly updated which in tough economic times is difficult.

In service training is contiually offered to teachers and our Tritec Collaborative has received many grants which has enabled faculty members to produce project-based lessons that incorporate technology. More than 50 lessons are available to our teachers.

Governor Romney recently proposed that an inexpensive laptop program be implemented. As a parent who has dealt with my own daughter's laptop repairs, I wonder about the feasibility of this. Access is key, but only if the access is dependable. We might be far better off by spending that money on more updated equipment and computer labs that are staffed and remain open into the evening. What do you think?

If anybody would like to discuss this or any other issue with me, please feel free to call me at 781-488-3366  or email me at STR0007@aol.com.