Lewis-Palmer School District Enhances Visual Learning At High School Level With Hitachi Software StarBoards

Colorado School District Utilizes Hitachi Interactive Whiteboards To Enhance Learning In All Major Subject Areas

In order to develop next generation educational programs, Lewis-Palmer School District, in Monument, Colorado, selected Hitachi Software StarBoard interactive whiteboards. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the district utilizes twenty-four of the FXDUO-77 model StarBoards at the elementary and high school levels.

The StarBoards are currently being utilized by teachers in all major subject areas at the high school level. “The StarBoard is a great tool to teach students how to edit and revise their writing. We take students writing and work on editing exercises using the StarBoard software in front of the entire class. Having the ability to visualize in this format makes it a much more valuable learning experience for the students,” stated Kathleen Raphael, English teacher in the Lewis-Palmer School District. “Our students are in a generation where technology is used in almost every aspect of their lives. It is how they communicate with their peers. Using technology to make learning more accessible and more authentic for them is vital.”

Ms. Raphael also believes there is confidence gained in having students come up to the StarBoard individually. “By using this tool, we model excellent communication and presentation skills. These skills will absolutely be invaluable to them in their chosen career fields.”

“Students have a hard time believing certain properties in Geometry because they cannot visualize what is happening. They tend to get stuck on certain types of pictures and struggle to transfer certain concepts when diagrams change. The StarBoard allows a teacher to make these illustrations come to life. It is great to have the ability to build and manipulate shapes in front of the students, instead of being tied to my desk and computer,” stated Marc Johnson, Math teacher in the Lewis-Palmer School District.

Tracey Lehman, Director of Educational Technology in the district, also feels the Hitachi StarBoards have become a major asset for the students in their visual learning.

“Classes like Geometry and Trigonometry have come alive with student interactivity. Right now we are also in the process of creating a high-tech multi-purpose room where students can collaborate about a project using the StarBoard as the center point of their discussions. It has definitely changed teaching and learning for students and teachers.”

For more information on Troxell Communications visit www.troxell.com.