InTime Publicity

School's technology curriculum showcased

Web Site Features Classroom Videos

Nancy Hemphill's Structure of Intellect (SOI) class at Thomas Jefferson Elementary made the "big time" Monday. The class, similar to the talented and gifted classes, was videotaped as part of a U.S. Department of Education project.

The INTIME project is videotaping teachers from across the nation who demonstrate exemplary use of technology in their teaching. The videotapes will be part of a database of examples that can be used by college and university teacher education faculty to demonstrate effective use of technology in the PreK-12 classroom for teachers in methods courses. This will help all teachers be better prepared and more comfortable in including technology in their teaching. The taped examples will be made available via streaming video on the INTIME website, as well as on CD-ROM and DVDs.

Hemphlll said her students were using Apple I-Books, video cameras, digital cameras, a 35mm camera and a CD player during the taping. The class is a demonstration of how to integrate technology into the regular curriculum. Hemphill's class emphasize math, technology and robotics, and by introducing them to such concepts at an early age, she feels they will be more comfortable and interested in the topics later in their lives, perhaps choosing a technology career. Hemphill said there is increasing need in the workplace for skilled employees who can utilize both creativity and logical thinking in their career.

The videotaping crew from the University of Northern Iowa has visited five other schools in Iowa for the INTIME project, and will eventually travel to all 50 states.

By John Jennings

Newton Daily News