Education
Technology in Schools, Empowering Students to Explore, Build & Create
Published
6 years agoon
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Kathy DeanThroughout Peachtree Corners and Gwinnett County, teachers and students are using some of the latest advances in technology to enhance the learning process.
“As you can imagine, there are numerous course offerings and classroom opportunities that include use of and learning about technology,” said Tricia Kennedy, executive director of Instructional Development and Support at Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). “Just like it permeates society, it permeates education.”
However, teachers and administrators are quick to point out that technology is, after all, just one of the tools necessary for a well-rounded education.
“We want to use the tools, not have them using us,” said Dr. Paul Cable, Greater Atlanta Christian educator. “It’s so easy to get that backward. Technology is not an end in itself, but a means, and we try to use it that way.”
Balancing technological opportunities with classroom interaction is a challenge that area schools are successfully meeting with great results.
This article first appeared in print in our October / November 2019 edition
Gwinnett County Public Schools
In recent years, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) has seen a lot of increased interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based courses.
“Many of our schools are now certified by the state of Georgia as STEM schools because of the quality and array of courses and extracurricular offerings in these areas,” said Tricia Kennedy, GCPS executive director of Instructional Development and Support. “All of our elementary schools now have Robotics programs. Middle and high school students have the opportunity to take courses leading to a career pathway in computer science.”
Kennedy said that online courses have become a part of the norm across the country. Teachers are able to provide effective instructional activities online, and there are opportunities for students to communicate and collaborate with teachers and classmates.
“We have a safe and secure environment for these interactions—our eCLASS C&I course pages,” she said. With online offerings, students can access learning resources from anywhere at any time.
“But we also believe face to face interaction with teachers is very important,” Kennedy explained. “Online learning does require a certain skill set for students, and their ability to work independently. Just like for adults, some students are not as comfortable with that model.”
GCPS is constantly adding resources and supports for students and teachers. “Some of our newer science materials give students the opportunity to participate in real problem-solving through simulations,” she continued.
There are 3-D printers in many of the schools, where students learn programming to solve problems and actually make physical objects. Science classes are equipped with probe-ware so students can collect and analyze data in real-time.
“Technology is used to enhance our students’ learning. It has not taken the place of teachers or the need for students to be actively engaged in class,” Kennedy said. “But technology in school can connect our students to information and opportunities that were not possible in the past . . .just as it does for all of us at work and home.” ■
Paul Duke STEM High School
As a newly opened technology school, Paul Duke STEM High School is equipped with the technology to support its courses in Engineering, Mechatronics, Graphic Arts, Digital Arts, Information Technology and Television and Film Production.
One of two 3-D Printers A day in the Mechatronics class at Paul Duke STEM High School, pictured is
Stephen Cochran, Chair of the Career and Technical
Education Department.
Principal Dr. Jonathon Wetherington explained that each student has their own passions and interests that drive them. “Some of the new classes that students are excited about our Principles and Concepts of Animation, Introduction to Cybersecurity, Game Design and AP Computer Science.” In addition, the Television and Film classes are always among the most requested, he noted.
“Courses that allow students to create, problem solve and apply their talents are why Paul Duke STEM was created, so it’s great to expand our offerings and engage our students with these technology-focused courses,” Dr. Wetherington said. “As a technology-focused school, we leverage digital instruction each and every day because our goal is to have students learning through and with technology.”
All classes are taught digitally on Fridays with the opportunity for face-to-face support. “Our only purely digital classes are offered through dual enrollment with our collegiate partners,” he said.
One of those classes is a new exclusive Cyber Security Program partnership with Mercer University and the FBI Atlanta Field Office that allows students to earn college credit in two foundational cybersecurity courses at Mercer while also engaging in case study learning with the FBI.
Another new option for students is Introduction to Mechatronics, which provides an introductory look at becoming an Electronics Technician or a Mechatronics Engineer.
“Digital learning is not a magic bullet,” Dr. Wetherington said. “It requires a great deal of effort to deliver effectively, and our teachers work diligently to design effective and engaging lessons.”
He added that as students get their academic content digitally, they need to learn time management, independence and self-discipline. “It’s exciting to be able to help students develop these valuable skills at such a young age.” ■
Norcross High School
Students at Norcross High School (NHS) are interested in a number of new opportunities available to them, according to NHS principal Will Bishop.
For example, a newly added Graphic Design class is taught by Mr. Miller who worked in the graphic design field and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his classroom. In Music Technology, students can utilize a state-of-the-art music lab to create original pieces in a variety of music genres.
“Walking into the lab you may find a student laying down tracks on a Mac or hammering out a drumbeat on a drum pad,” Bishop said.
NHS has begun a partnership with Gwinnett Online Campus to open a Gwinnett Online Center on its campus. “This will be most helpful to students who want to accelerate their learning, need to catch up on coursework or want to take a class that’s not currently offered at NHS,” Bishop explained.
In addition, several students are taking a Georgia Tech class in Advanced Calculus while sitting in an NHS Media Center conference room. Through a Polycom system, the students can hear, see and speak with the professor leading the classroom as if they were on the Georgia Tech campus.
Bishop said that NHS is excited about some new technology the school has received to support its Career Technical Education classes. Students in Engineering classes are now designing and producing prototypes of their own designs using a 3D printer and laser engraver.
“Of course, the most exciting opportunities for our teachers and students is always about the next big advances in technology,” he said, adding that the introduction of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality will dramatically alter the learning experience for teachers and students.
“Some of our teachers are utilizing VR sets to visit far off historical settings without ever leaving the classroom,” Bishop said. “A student can put on a VR set and experience holding a heart in their hand or a visit to the Louvre.” ■
Wesleyan School
Wesleyan School is a one-to-one school, meaning one device to one child. In Kindergarten through 4th grade, one iPad is provided for each student. Each 5th through 12th-grade student is provided a touchscreen enabled Windows-based laptop.
Middle School students in robotics. (Courtesy of Wesleyan School)
“Wesleyan has always seen the value of and invested in technology as an important tool for learning,” said Brian Morgan, Wesleyan’s Chief Operating Officer. “In recent years, and thanks to the generosity of a donor, the school has expanded and improved its data center and network capabilities.”
“With technology infrastructure in place, our next goal is for technology to support students transitioning from consumers of content to creators of content,” said Jewel Anderson, Instructional Technologist and STEM teacher.
When technology in the classroom is to create, it can become cross-curricular. For example, fine arts students can draw creations on paper and use the school’s Epilog Legend Laser Machine to transform their creations into 3D art. In other classes, students use technology to apply art to the business world.
“By incorporating interactive technology resources, we’re able to take students’ ideas from concept to creation to completion. Every student has the potential to be a maker,” said Heather Niemann, Middle School Art teacher.
There are more ways technology is used efficiently at Wesleyan, too. Modern and classical language students complete performance-based assessments using their tablets to record themselves, then submit the recordings for assessment and feedback on their language speaking skills.
Sixth-grade robotics students recently worked on a group project; they created their own superheroes, designed scenarios using a coordinate plane map and programmed their EV3 robot to perform tasks and solve a real-world problem.
Wesleyan science teachers use student tablets, modeling programs and 3D printers to lead students through creation of new creatures and organisms. “The beauty of students using the 3D printers is that it reinforces the value of planning ahead and trial and error,” Anderson said. “When a student designs a structure and it isn’t structurally sound, the replica from the printer allows them to find that out.” ■
Greater Atlanta Christian
At Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC), every 4th to 12th-grade student has a school issued MacBook, while younger students have access to IPads and MacBooks for targeted learning projects.
GAC educator Mandy Richey explained that it’s important for students to practice 21st-century skills. “All school levels of GAC teach students how to use technology in a responsible way. Students are using technology to reinforce, research, record and create.”
Technology is infused in the curriculum at age-appropriate levels. Students learn to program as early as Elementary School, continuing in Middle School with MakerSpace, a fully equipped workshop, and ending with AP Computer Science and Robotics in High School.
Middle and High School students create new products using one of five 3D printers. The technology-focused courses include Computer Science, App Development, Web Design and Robotics. There are also robotics teams from Elementary to High School.
However, Rhonda Helms, Lower School Principal, said, “We emphasize that technology is just a tool…a resource. It is not our curriculum.”
GAC resources include Ethos School, the virtual school created by GAC that offers over 50 courses to more than 200 students across the U.S. and around the world. Ethos courses ensure rich, inquisitive dialogue among students, who can choose from over 50 courses.
“With online teaching, I learned how important human contact is,” said Dr. Paul Cable, a member of the GAC Ethos School faculty. “People are formed by example and love; they aren’t formed by forum posts. That’s what I love about what GAC’s Ethos School is doing through all of the points of contact with kids. It’s about forming people, not just dumping information on them and testing them on it.”
Chancellor Dr. David Fincher said that the GAC community thrives on relationships above all. “Students respond and achieve greater heights out of their deep personal links with caring and superb teachers. Designed well, technology learning can make those ties between students and teachers even deeper and more life-changing, not less.” ■
Cornerstone Christian Academy
“Technology has transformed the way Cornerstone teaches young students,” said Melissa Dill, Lower School Principal at Cornerstone Christian Academy. The school recently purchased Lego WeDo engineering sets for grades 2 through 4. “The hands-on STEM activities combine engineering, computer programming and collaboration and are a nice segue way to programming in the middle school robotics and technology classes.”
Students work in Snap, a block programming software, to create motion, light and sound for their robots. Robots are assembled with recyclable materials and components from a Hummingbird Robot kit. (Photography by: Josh Whitlock)
Dill said that students as young as kindergarteners begin coding robots with an innovative, screen-free product called Ozobot. “These bots encourage critical thinking as students use different colors to direct a small bot on a page. Their faces come alive when they realize that they can control a robot by simply drawing lines of different colors,” she said.
Middle School Math/Technology teacher Terri Childers said that 6th-grade students have a Technology elective. “The focus is on learning ways to effectively navigate the internet when researching a topic.” Students also work in two web-based programming apps, Snap and Scratch. Both are block programming apps that can be used to program robots.
“Our 7th and 8th grade students take a technology course that focuses on programming. Programming languages and apps like Robot C, Python and Construct 3 are all part of the curriculum,” Childers said. Construct 3 is a web-based video game creation application and has been a big hit with students. “Having access to free software that allows students to make video games from scratch that track scores, play background music and have animated characters is a valuable tool for learning,” she said.
The entire middle school is a Google Education school, and most middle school classes have digital textbooks that a student can access with a username and password. “Our students keep classwork organized through Google Drive,” Childers said.
The system allows students to easily share work with teachers and collaborate with peers. Since their accounts aren’t tied to any single device, students can access their accounts from anywhere on any device with internet access. ■
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Contributing Editor Kathy Dean has been a writer and editor for over 20 years. Some of the publications she has contributed to are Atlanta Senior Life, Atlanta INtown, Transatlantic Journal and The Guide to Coweta and Fayette Counties.
Community
Latest News from GCPL: National Grant and High School Graduates
Published
4 weeks agoon
June 15, 2025Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) has been selected for a major national grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, one of the country’s oldest and most influential philanthropic institutions.
GCPL plans to use the funds to expand their English language classes, working in partnership with Gwinnett County Public Schools.
The grant will increase the number of free English classes offered and help recruit community volunteers (who pass background checks) to support English language learners. Stipends for volunteer English teachers and bus passes for program participants will also be available.
Expanding library access
Gwinnett County Public Library is one of just 11 libraries nationwide chosen through the Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative, which aims to help public libraries expand access to adult literacy and college readiness programs.
“Fluency in the English language is essential for everyone to participate in American society, culture, politics and business,” said Charles Pace, executive director of Gwinnett County Public Library. “We are delighted that the Carnegie Corporation has recognized the importance of English language classes and libraries in general to maintain a literate and engaged citizenry.”
“Thanks to this generous award we will be able to better support the English language learner needs of the Gwinnett community than ever before.”
Carnegie’s history of philanthropy
Carnegie has been one of the largest philanthropic funders of libraries, from the early construction of almost 1,700 libraries in the U.S. to helping establish the endowment of the American Library Association, funding the nation’s first graduate library school and digitizing archival collections around the world.
“Andrew Carnegie believed libraries were ladders upon which anyone and everyone could rise, and that belief continues to guide us,” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie.
“At a time when trust in public institutions is fraying, libraries retain public trust. We are delighted to support these grantees as they provide essential programs and community services.”
Career Online High School graduates earn diplomas
GCPL also recently awarded nine graduates their high school diplomas at a ceremony that took place on June 7 at the Norcross branch. Family and friends joined the graduates, along with guest speaker Constance Brown, chair of the Hooper-Renwick School Legacy Committee.
Gwinnett County Public Library offers qualified community members the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate through Career Online High School, a program supported by community donations.
About the program
Career Online High School is specifically designed to re-engage adults in the education system and prepare them for entry into postsecondary career education or the workforce.
In the last 12 months, GCPL has graduated 24 people from the program, with 132 graduating since its 2016 launch in Gwinnett County. GCPL’s students are mostly BIPOC women. Many are new to the US or are ESL. Most of the program’s US students come in with 10th or 11th-grade level schooling with the goal of completing their diploma.
“Earning a high school diploma is a life-changing achievement,” said Executive Director, Charles Pace. “Career Online High School is a key part of our mission of inspiring our residents to learn, grow and dream.”
GCPL awards scholarships annually to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers. Once enrolled, students access a 24/7 online learning platform with board-certified instructor assistance.
Students can graduate within a year by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Gwinnett County residents can learn more about Career Online High School and take an online self-assessment by visiting gwinnett.careeronlinehs.org.
About Gwinnett County Public Library
Gwinnett County Public Library is a free provider of education and information. Located in metro Atlanta, the library system has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials, books and programming for people of all ages.
For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visit gwinnettpl.org.
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Community
Peachtree Corners Festival Awards Debbie Mason Drama Scholarship for 2025
Published
1 month agoon
June 2, 2025On May 9, the Peachtree Corners Festival awarded the Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship for Drama to an outstanding Norcross High School drama senior. The recipient was Elizabeth “Ella” Armes, a student who has been involved in the Norcross High School drama department for four years and was most recently the primary stage manager directing the high school’s performances.
According to Terry Gabbard, director of theater at Norcross High School, Ella “was vital to the success of our program. She is an incredible young lady who will be continuing her studies in media and the arts in college.”
In fact, Ella plans to continue her education and work in theater and communications at Kennesaw State University starting this fall.
This marks the third year that the Peachtree Corners Festival has awarded the drama scholarship in the name of the late Peachtree Corners Festival co-founder, Debbie Mason.
In addition to being the first “First Lady” of the city of Peachtree Corners, Debbie and her family were long-time supporters of the drama program at Norcross High School. After her passing in 2023, the Peachtree Corners Festival established the Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship for Drama as an appropriate way to honor her legacy.
About the Peachtree Corners Festival
The Peachtree Corners Festival is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to bringing a safe, wholesome and family-friendly festival to the city of Peachtree Corners each year.
The organization’s goal is to foster community pride and civic involvement, not just through the weekend-long festival, but by giving back and supporting education and beautification initiatives within the city and recognizing deserving members of the community.
This year’s Peachtree Corners Festival will take place on the Town Green, September 20–21.
For more information, visit peachtreecornersfestival.com.
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Education
Celebration and Community: ICAGeorgia Wraps Up School Year with Two Festive Events
Published
2 months agoon
May 22, 2025The International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) recently hosted its third annual Dining with the Scholars event on April 18 — an evening filled with celebration, culture and community spirit.
Held at Canton House in Duluth, the event welcomed over 200 attendees, including students, parents, teachers, board members, local sponsors and special guest, the Consul General of Japan.
Fundraising and performances
The purpose of the event was twofold: to raise funds in support of academic programs for the school and, most importantly, to honor and showcase the outstanding talents and achievements of ICAGeorgia students.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a silent auction, dinner and dessert, as well as a vibrant lineup of student performances, a magic show and live music — creating a truly festive and memorable atmosphere.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many local companies and organizations whose generous sponsorship made this event possible,” said Felecia Tucker-Jones, principal of ICAGeorgia. “[The] support helps us continue to grow and enhance our academic offerings.”
By all accounts, it was a night to remember — and a wonderful reminder of the strong, supportive community that surrounds the school.
Children’s Day Festival
On May 4, students, families and community members gathered at Thrasher Park in Norcross for a vibrant celebration of Children’s Day, a beloved Japanese holiday that honors children’s happiness, growth and well-being.
The Japan’s Children’s Day Festival 2025 brought together over 1,000 attendees for a full day of music, crafts, food and cultural experiences.
Visitors of all ages enjoyed traditional Japanese activities such as origami, kingyo sukui (goldfish scooping) and kimono try-ons, while kids played in bounce houses, participated in golf and soccer games and listened to story time in the park.
The festival’s stage was alive with performances from school choirs, dance studios and even a thrilling showcase of breakdancing and karate. Local vendors offered delicious international food — from pizza, tacos and paella to boba and shaved ice — while guests explored artisan booths and even online shopping options.
Culture and community
This festival was a beautiful reflection of cultural pride and community spirit and partnerships, with ICAGeorgia, local small businesses and generous sponsors bringing the vision to life.
“We’re deeply grateful to all our sponsors, performers, volunteers and families who made the day so special,” said Jeremy Williams, president of the ICAGeorgia PTO.
As Norcross continues to grow as a hub for diverse cultural events, Japan’s Children’s Day Festival stands out as a joyful, family-focused experience with the goal of continuing for years to come.
Follow Japan’s Children’s Day Festival (@JapansChildrensDayFestival) on Instagram and Facebook, and stay tuned for next year’s exciting event.
About ICAGeorgia
The International Charter Academy of Georgia is a statewide charter school available free of charge to any K–6 student residing in Georgia.
Located in Peachtree Corners, the school offers a dual language immersion program in both English and Japanese, a rigorous standards-based curriculum, extracurricular activities and multiple opportunities throughout the year to engage in cross-cultural community.
For more about the school, visit internationalcharteracademy.org.
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