I am very excited about the progress that Landstown Elementary has made in integrating technology into the curriculum.
Kindergarten students have become experts with EM Games - an important part of reinforcing math skills in the curriculum. You may also use these with your student at home, contact their teacher for password information.
First Graders were recently introduced to Understanding Numeration, an exciting math instructional tool that will improve math skills using the latest techniques.
Second Graders are in the process of completing a Native American research project. This project has had students completing research on a tribe on which they will become an “expert.” Each child will then create a full PowerPoint presentation on this group.
Third Graders who have recieved part permission are learning about blogging. Blogs are online writing areas that allow students to practice writing and comment the work of their peers. Research shows that students learn to write better with an audience and several teachers are helping us comment on each blog.
Fourth Graders are completing several interactive activities as part of their studies of the regions of the United States.
Fifth Graders have been doing an number of exciting activities using the laptop labs. I would like to welcome Ms. Kelley to 5th grade, an outstanding new teacher that I have had the priviledge to know since she was one of my students.
Until next time.
Kevin C. Johnson, Computer Resource Specialist
Landstown Elementary School
This has been an incredible week as I have conducted Computer Lab Orientations with almost all of the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Landstown. On Monday, I will complete 3rd, 4th and 5th grade and begin on grades K-2. I am excited that we were able to massage the lab schedule this year so that each of the classes would be able to come to the lab every week. During the Computer Lab Orientation we have learned about safe sites to use for research, rules for technology use at Landstown and have started a state mandated set of lessons on Internet Safety. Parents wanting a list of safe websites for their child can go to http://guest.portaportal.com/landstownes.
Another exciting new program at Landstown Elementary will be our Dolphin TV Live! Every morning, a team of 4th and 5th graders will produce a broadcast to be shown on our closed circuit TV system. I will be working with Mrs. Troia, Mr. Alaman and Ms. Kelley to implement this exciting new technology at Landstown.
Until next week….
Kevin Johnson
Computer Resource Specialist
I am very excited about joining the staff at Landstown Elementary School. This is my sixth year as a Computer Resource Specialist and my 19th year in public education. I have a Masters degree in Instructional Technology and am working on my International Society for Technology in Education, NETS T certification. My wife Carol also works in the Virginia Beach School system and we have a spoiled terrier named Otis.
One of the first things you will notice is that all teachers at Landstown will have websites this year. You can access these sites from our website (www.landstownes.vbschools.com). These websites will become important tools for parent/teacher communication and I am very excited about the possibilities that will come out of this new initiative.
You will also find that this year we will be introducing many new technologies to our students, with an emphasis on how to use these technologies safely in the learning process. Many students will be learning about blogging and podcasts for the very first time!
I look forward to meeting all the parents and teachers at Landstown Elementary! Let the learning begin.
Kevin Johnson
Computer Resource Specialist
