Technology Fair scheduled in advance of Summit 303 meeting

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ST. CHARLES – With a surge in the popularity and accessibility of computers, iPods and text messaging, it’s natural to start seeing this technology make its way into the classroom.

Community members and parents of St. Charles School District 303 will have a chance to check out some of the latest technology available to schools at a Technology Fair that will take place before Thursday’s Summit 303 meeting.

The meeting that will follow the fair will “cover what District 303 has and what we hope to have in the future,” said Summit 303 co-chair Sherry Schmidt.

“The fun part is that people will get to try some of the things. It’s a great thing for anyone in the community that’s interested in technology,” she said. “I’ve never heard of anyone doing anything like this before. It’s a one time thing.”

More than a dozen vendors will line the hallway of the lower level of Charlestowne Mall from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The Summit 303 meeting will follow, with a presentation by Terry Tamblyn, a retired educator who most recently directed the instructional technology program in Naperville School District 203.

“Research shows that [technology] can enhance the instructional process,” Tamblyn said. “You can provide a lesson for students and they will do it, but it seems like when technology is involved, it ramps up the enthusiasm and gets them excited about what they are doing much more.”

Tamblyn said he plans to present what his school district has done with technology and John Reichling of St. Charles’ information technology services will talk about what St. Charles schools already offer.

Another hot topic Tamblyn will talk about is the idea of one-to-one laptop deployments, where the ratio of students to laptops would be equal.

“Research seems to show that it really does make a difference in achievement scores and enthusiasm and the whole learning process,” he said. He conceded that there are obvious costs associated with such a program.

Some textbook publishers already are experimenting with downloadable textbooks, he said, explaining that with the fast pace of technology, expenses continue to come down. It may be something districts need to plan several years out and put in its budget.

As a parent of children who constantly download songs to iPods and create dents in his texting plan, Jim Keller expects Thursday’s event to be informational and interesting.

“Technology is something that is really important to our students,” said Keller, who also serves as a co-chair of Summit 303. “As a parent, it’s important to know your school district is out there trying to find the best and cutting edge materials for your kids.”

f you go...

What: Technology Fair and Summit 303 meeting

When: Fair runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14; the meeting will last from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Lower level, Charlestowne Mall, 3800 E. Main St. in St. Charles

For more information, go to www.d303.org and click on the Summit tab