In June, Mrs. Sjogren, Mrs. Juetten and I went to the National Educational Computing Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This was a wonderful experience for us.

The conference was attended by educators from around the world. I met principals from many different states and countries including Australia.

Two of the most interesting people we talked to were Dominican Sisters. These two are avid proponents of using technology to help prepare their students for adult life and also to help them understand the impact they can make on society. These two sisters also help train other Dominican Sisters to be teachers. As a regular part of teacher training all Dominican Sisters are trained in technology integration.

Classes and seminars focused on many different uses of technology to help students to become global citizens. The conference centered on developing instructional strategies that help the students to expand their thinking beyond learning rote material.

We were truly challenged to help our students reach out to the world an make an impact. There were many examples of how young students are doing just this with the aid of technology and fabulous teachers.

One particularly inspiring session was taught by a middle school social studies teacher. The name of the session was “This is Not Your Grannie’s Classroom.“

This teacher made her subject come alive with music, maps, and video clips that helped her 6th grade students not just learn about the topics but understand how their lives are impacted by those topics.

This teacher understood the value of having students engaged in their learning. It made me want to return to 6th grade.

I came home with many ideas of how to help St. Raphael continue to educate the students in a way that is meaningful and will prepare them to be productive members of the 21st Century. I am looking forward to the new school year.