X

Potsdam Central hosts Google Learning Summit to enhance classroom learning through technology

Posted 5/2/16

POTSDAM -- 450 educators from across the North Country gathered Friday and Saturday at Potsdam Central School for the Google Learning Summit. The two-day event, organized by the New York State …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Potsdam Central hosts Google Learning Summit to enhance classroom learning through technology

Posted

POTSDAM -- 450 educators from across the North Country gathered Friday and Saturday at Potsdam Central School for the Google Learning Summit.

The two-day event, organized by the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) participant will provide attendees a variety of sessions on the use of technology to enhance classroom learning.

The event showcases technologies and teaching methods that educators can utilize to help students experience the vast resources available through internet connectivity. Some of the technology, like Google Classroom, helps teachers draft and organize assignments quickly, provide feedback efficiently and better communicate with their students. Other technology used by students allows them to create detailed drawings and diagrams, and to better document their learning experiences.

“Having Google come to the Potsdam is a big deal. It is recognition that we are taking a huge step forward in incorporating digital technology into our classrooms and preparing our students for the digital age and knowledge economy,” said J. Patrick Turbett, President of the School Board for Potsdam Central School.

Potsdam Central was chosen due to it having high-speed Internet access available from Slic Network Solutions. According to Turbett, “this is significant for the students of the North Country because rural areas often lack the amenities of larger cities. However, in this case, Potsdam has connectivity that is as good or better than anywhere else in the state.”

The combination of dedicated teachers, technology, and high-speed connectivity enables students in the region the ability to better compete when applying to college. Students can interact and engage with other students and educators from across the country and around the globe, allowing for experiential learning, role-playing, and the emerging maker movement. The technologies presented at the conference allow students to transform themselves from consumers to producers of goods and services.

“Our community's future is linked to the success of our teachers and students,” said Mark Dzwonczyk, CEO of Nicholville Telephone Company, the parent company of Slic Network Solutions. “Slic Networks is proud to support this critically important educational initiative that transforms the region from being a rural economy by better preparing our students for their future. By deploying faster Internet connectivity to the North Country, we’re bringing with it long-term sustainable growth in this region.”