THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 12, 1995 TAG: 9501110074
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MATEEN BYRD, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Computers, calculators and satellite classes are all examples of modern technology, technology that in recent years has filtered into our schools and in the process, enhanced learning.
Gill Pitt, math department chairman and advanced placement calculus teacher at Maury High School, is one of many who have noted this improvement.
``From a math angle,'' Pitt explained, ``students seem to learn harder concepts faster without the drudgery of elementary computations.''
He added that graphing calculators have put today's students ``far ahead'' of students from past years. Using scientific calculators along with four-function calculators as opposed to the chalkboard allows him to teach more functions.
Maury High School principal James B. Slaughter is another person who sees technology's positive impact on learning.
``Kids utilize computers and calculators to help them learn faster,'' Slaughter said. ``The teachers and the student body are able to branch out and learn new things with the help of technology.''
And technology also allows students to take field trips without ever leaving the classroom. For example, this fall, Mary-Margaret Ruegsegger's history class at Maury joined a class from Minnesota and visited the aircraft carrier George Washington, based in Norfolk.
``We all traveled to the George Washington via the satellite link,'' Ruegsegger said.
After the tour, Norfolk students and Minnesota students had a chance to talk with each other informally, via the satellite.
It was ``a really fun learning experience,'' Ruegsegger said.
In addition, Norfolk Public Schools estimates that about 95 percent of its graduates are computer literate. MEMO: Mateen Byrd is a sophomore at Maury High School. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Mateen Byrd
by CNB