How is technology changing the face of education in Wilton Public Schools? The Technology Advisory Committee is inviting parents to learn about the technology used in the classrooms at Tech Expo 5.0. The event will be held at the Wilton High School on Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m..
Technology across all grades, multiple curricula
The Expo is a yearly event to educate the community about the technology used by teachers, students and parents. Teachers from all grade levels will demonstrate a wide variety of technology that is integrated into the curriculum and available to students and parents. Last year more than 250 parents attended more than 20 demonstrations.
Popular demonstrations returning this year include the use of iPads and the Youth Innovators. From science to art, the iPad is transforming the Wilton classroom as teachers embellish and deepen their instruction with the iPad. The ‘Youth Innovator’ area showcases the children in Wilton between the ages of 6 to 18 who use technology to build websites, create music and design applications.
Expanding Students’ Horizons with Technology Labs
This year’s TechExpo will highlight the four High School technology labs: Apple Mac Lab, Video Production Lab, World Language Labs, and the Drafting & Design Lab. “By providing students with hands-on experiences, using the same technologies in High School that they will encounter in their careers, we are giving them a heads start” commented Greg Theriault, a Wilton High School teacher.
“By building valuable skills, the learning generated in the technology labs also helps students to acquire internships and explore potential college pathways.” stated Dr. Richard J. Sanzo, associate principal Wilton High School.
Multimedia converges with Language Acquisition
The World Language Labs converge multimedia tools with language instruction.
State of the art SONY computers feature Virtuoso, an interactive software package that goes far beyond listening and reading. Capabilities include pairing students for conversations, recording, texting and modeling interactive screens all tied back to a central teacher command station.
The First in the District – The Macintosh Labs
This is the only Macintosh lab in the district. It offers two classrooms and a total of 56 stations where students can use professional grade software for graphic design, game creation, music and film composition. Advanced software such as Adobe Illustrator, Xcode, Game Salad, Sibelius, LightRoom, and iMovie are available. The lab hosts many computer graphics classes as well as a variety of extracurricular clubs and projects.
Recently, the lab facilitated a “digital storytelling project” between students and their peers at a Native American reservation in South Dakota. The lab allows students to interact with people around the world and access expertise not available through traditional channels.
About the Wilton Technology Advisory Committee
Sponsored by the Wilton Technology Advisory Committee, TechExpo is made possible only by the voluntary efforts of teachers, administration, the IT team, parents and the PTA.
The Wilton Technology Advisory Committee is made up of educators (administrative team members and technology instructional leaders) as well as Board of Education representatives, parents, and community members. The committee has existed, in some form, since the late 1990’s. The committee meets to discuss complex technical issues and trends related to instructional technology. The committee offers recommendations and feedback for both budget planning and strategic planning related to the use of technology by the Wilton Public School system.
