Linda Smentek: Technology Coordinator, Mac Lab Facilitator
In addition to our outstanding Tech Team, Hayt School has many technologically savvy staff members who play an important role in staff development, hardware / software purchasing decisions, and hardware maintenance. We encourage all staff members to attend conferences, participate in technology workshops, and share related expertise.
Technology Program at Hayt School
Click here to learn about the Stephen K. Hayt School Tech Program. If you cannot view PDF files, then you need to download the free Acrobat Reader plug-in to the right and follow the directions.
Hayt Hardware
Every teacher's desk at Hayt is equipped with a PC. Teachers use these computers to develop lesson plans and student lesson materials using the Northwestern Collaboratory Project, communicate by email (both within and outside the building) with colleagues, research the Internet for class related information, and collaborate with teachers on standards-based curricular projects.
Students at Hayt School are fortunate to train under two computer platforms - Macintosh and Windows. The labs are equipped with a scanner and digital projectors. Pre-K through 4th grade students work on Macintosh computers, while older students (grades 5-8) use Windows formatted machines.
There are very modern Technology Labs for classroom use - an iMac Lab and a PC Lab. Since we run a project-based technology program, teachers may sign up to use these labs during blocks of time throughout a day or week. Because of a parntership with the companies Proxim and Technocrats during the Spring of 2001, Hayt is now able to have wireless access throughouts its old and new buildings. In addition to the technology labs, Hayt has three iBook and two PC carts that can be checked out for classroom use. In addition to being used in classrooms, the laptops carts have been utilized in the library, science lab, lunchroom, and in our outside garden classroom. Various classes have opted to check out the AlphaSmart keyboard cart for word processing activities. We have a new wireless PC cart in the Science lab that can be used by classroom teachers.
Some of our classrooms are using AverKey components that connect the computer to a television so that computer software introductions or student projects can be shared with the students right in their classrooms. An in-house video connection allows live assemblies to be viewed in all classrooms.
Hayt's automated library with Internet connections provides students the opportunity to access information throughout the world.
Digital cameras may be checked out by staff members to record student activities.
A Technological School: Hayt
Stephen K. Hayt School is truly a technological school! All classrooms are network and Internet ready hard-wired, as well as having wireless access points. Teachers have PC computers on their desks. Students may use classroom computers or wireless laptops while working on projects anywhere in their classrooms, auditorium, gym, lunchroom, library, or outside on the Hayt campus. Hayt students are trained in two computer formats - Macintosh (through Grade 4) and PC (Grades 5-8). Teachers may use these labs while engaging in technology related curricular activities with their students.
In addition, our closed circuit TV system allows student groups to share their experiences with others throughout the old and new buildings. To keep abreast with current events as well as having the ability to view video-recorded presentations, each classroom is equipped with a TV and a VCR. Several classroom teachers use AverKey presentation devices connected to a computer to share computer / Internet information with their students.
When the software is installed, every student at Hayt School will participate in the our updated Accelerated Reader (AR) program. Students read appropriate level books and take computer-automated tests that evaluate student comprehension of the material that has been read. Visit our Accelerated Reader school web site to view book titles or related grade and point levels.
Our newly update automated library allows teachers and students to scan our library collection from their classrooms. Teachers can research software titles in the system, too.
A FastForword lab operates out of our new PC lab. FastForword helps struggling readers become more successful school / community members by developing critical thinking, and listening / reading skills. Participants in the program were selected by the reading coordinator with help from classroom teachers.
Best Practices at Hayt
With the support of the administration, a project-based Technology Program has been established at Hayt School. It incorporates teacher presence in both the computer labs and laptop/AlphaSmart computers in the classroom. With awareness of the engaged learner, the Technology facilitator makes suggestions to the classroom teacher regarding potential software approaches to specific curricular projects. Because of the size and dynamics of our school, the facilitator usually interfaces on a one-to-one basis with individual/grade level teachers.
The school's Technology Coordinator developed a technology project-planning sheet that helps teachers focus on their reasons for using technology within their curriculum. The basis for this structure involves the coordination of curricular classroom needs in relation to mandated state learning goals, while incorporating the guidelines of technology infusion within that curriculum. We feel the new process created for our teachers (the planning sheet), guides teachers in creating viable lesson plans which incorporate curricular goals that include interesting, yet efficient uses of technology.
Before using technology with their students for computer projects, teachers complete a planning sheet that incorporates related curricular State Goals, Benchmarks, and the NETS (National Educational Technology) Standards. As a result, teachers use these plans to direct, lead, and facilitate their students through a specific standards based project involved with a curriculum. Teachers work side-by-side with their students on projects. Teachers are modeling for their students technological tool incorporation within classes and their lives.
With this new technology blueprint, Hayt teachers are incorporating many of the Best Practices of teaching. Hayt educators are developing effective ways to meet different learning styles and present new information through technology. Many technology projects require students to collaborate with their peers. Other than just paper and pencil, teachers are finding that various modes of technology can be used to evaluate student growth. They are developing effective ways to foster active, constructive participation. Students are witnessing their classroom teachers as users of technology while taking an active part in their own learning!
Our students now have the availability of two well-organized Technology labs (Macintosh and PC). With administrative support and financial backing, portable technology in the form of wireless laptop and AlphaSmart keyboard carts are also available to the classroom teacher. With the availability and portability of a Technology Lab within their classrooms, teachers have had rewarding experiences in relation to their curricular goals and the use of technology. Their familiarity and comfort with our technology infusion can be seen in a friendly competition for these portable computer carts.
In addition, we at Hayt School realize the importance of engaging a teacher in new, curricular / technology preparation. Based on the results of a CPS COSA survey, staff members have free access to CPS technology classes. Many of our staff members participate in off-site technology seminars and workshops.
Technologically speaking, we have come a long way, but as Frost wrote we know we still have "miles to go...".
Hayt Is Recognized By Others
Click on links in this section to learn about many Hayt accomplishments in the technological field.
Technology Project of the Year (the Northwestern Collaboratory Project), June 2000
Illinois Technology Educator of the Year (2000-2001)
eZine Online NewsPaper (Collaboratory Project Symposium, May 2001)
Writing, Art, Music with Online Mentors Presentation (IL-TCE Illinois Technology Conference for Educators, February, 2003)
Wireless Technology Hits Hayt
Connections Newsletter (Northwestern: Center for Learning Technologies in Urban Schools, Summer, 2002)
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