ARCHIVED—Shelley MacDonald, Carla MacEachern
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Year: 2009 – Province: Nova Scotia
Certificate of Achievement Recipient
Thorburn Consolidated School
13 New Row, PO Box 211
Thorburn NS B0K 1W0
Principal: Lily DeYoung
School Tel.: 902-922-3840
School Fax: 902-922-3844
School Email: deyoungla@ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca
Subjects and Grades Taught: Grades 4 and 5
Neither Shelley MacDonald nor Carla MacEachern are technology geeks. Rather, they are two devoted and caring teachers who were asked by their school board to take on the huge challenge in 2005 and 2006 of providing a laptop computer and associated software to each of their students. Both teachers embraced the new technology for their classrooms and now share their enthusiasm and what they've learned with their colleagues.
Teaching Approach
Mrs.MacDonald and Mrs.MacEachern believe that it is important to give children a head start in a world extremely reliant on computers. They introduce technology at an early age, along with the skills and knowledge for life-long learning. They do not neglect the basics, ensuring that students understand the importance of not relying solely on the computer for their learning.
Outstanding Achievements
- Mrs.MacDonald and Mrs.MacEachern successfully implemented the 1-to-1 Personal Laptop Program with students in grades 4 and 5. Students each have a laptop computer with wireless access for daily use. The goals of the project are to improve students' literacy and communication skills and enhance their use of technology. Students become adept at using computers to do all their class work and as presentation tool to share their work with classmates, their family and the community.
- Mrs.MacDonald and Mrs.MacEachern introduce technology by having students do projects that feel natural and comfortable. Grade 4 students do a lesson called "All About Me" during which they write about themselves. They then present their writing, along with personal items they have brought from home. Grade 5 students created a podcast about themselves, including creating music using composition software.
- At the start of each year, the teachers educate students about proper Internet use. They also collaborate with school board officials on an information evening to provide guidelines and resources to help students and parents become good cybercitizens.
Rave Reviews
"Carla and Shelley helped me learn the software programs I would be using and explained the lessons that were provided by our 1-to1 mentors. They showed me how to use different peripherals such as LCD machines, video and digital cameras. They were very patient, cooperative and innovative in their teaching with their students as well as with teacher colleagues." Colleague
"They demonstrate what it means to be 'life-long learners' through their efforts to learn new knowledge and skills, and integrate technology into their curriculum outcomes. Their teaching practices have given the students at our small rural community school a definite advantage in the fast-paced technology world." Principal