MOORESVILLE, N.C.,None — One North Carolina Board of Education member said Monday that Mooresville Graded School District is doing what all districts should be doing -- heavily integrating technology in the classroom.
John Tate of Charlotte toured Mooresville Senior High School to see how every student is using a district-issued laptop in class. The so-called Digital Conversion began three years ago when every high school student was given an Apple MacBook for use at school and at home. The program now extends through fourth grade.
Since the computers were first introduced, end of curriculum test scores in English, algebra, history and physical science have increased between 8 and 70 percent. The dropout rate has fallen 36 percent. In 2010, Mooresville had the highest four-year graduation rate in the Charlotte area with 86 percent.
"I've seen a difference in what I do, especially on projects," said 11th-grader Lane Farrell. "I've even had finals on the computers."
Teachers said the computers are also changing the way they approach instruction. In English teacher April Davala's classroom, old textbooks are stacked unused in the back of the room. Three thick literature books are used to prop up a computer projector so students can see what she's typing.
"I'm actually teaching less, and I'm learning more," she said.
During a recent lesson on William Shakespeare, she said students were able to use a variety of tools -- including online videos and maps -- to learn about the time period.
"We can take a virtual field trip to the Globe Theater," she said. "We can link up, using Skype, and talk with other classes in England."
Davala also liked that she no longer has to print dozens of copies of handouts or take home piles of papers to grade. All of it can now be done using computer programs, and parents have access to report cards and student projects online.
Administrators said the cost of the program boils down to roughly $200 per student per year. Superintendent Mark Edwards said it's a small price to pay given the big payoffs like improved test scores and lower dropout rates.
"It's an investment in every student we have," he said.
While the district did not have specific figures, Edwards said educational experts have estimated that the district saves millions of dollars through the digital conversion because of the improved academics and the elimination of purchasing textbooks and many other classroom supplies.
Like most districts, Mooresville said it's facing budget cuts for the coming school year. It's estimated the budget will have to be cut by 8 percent. Edwards said the district hoped that won't mean staff layoffs, but the community has said technology shouldn't be touched.
"I look at it as an opportunity, whether it's research, information, collaboration or creativity," he said.
In the last two weeks, nearly 150 educators from across North Carolina and the country have visited Mooresville to see the digital conversion in person. The district is also planning an event this summer to showcase the program to more schools.
During his visit Monday, Tate said he was impressed by the "laser-tight focus on data, close relationship with students and teachers." It was the first of several upcoming trips by various board members to see how similar programs could be implemented across the state.
WSOC
