CGS BETA tests high-tech SMART Table

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Chester Grade School has been selected by the Smart Technologies Corporation to BETA test one of their new high-tech SMART Tables. The table is a sister to the recently purchased SMART Boards installed at Chester Grade School and Chester High School.

The technology initiative at CGS and CHS began a few years ago as a result of a $1.5 million technology grant that was won by District # 139 Superintendent Rebecca Keim. Money received via her grant allowed most rooms at CGS and some rooms at CHS to have SMART Boards, digital cameras, video cameras and other high-tech items with which to teach students in the District.

The SMART Table is similar to the SMART Board but is on wheels and can easily be transported from room-to-room for use in classroom settings. At CGS the table has been tested in several classes and will soon be utilized in a new innovative program which will begin next year in grades kindergarten through second grade.

Math Specialist Jamie Lodge will spearhead the new math program at CGS with the creation of a math room which will provide an extra 20-minutes of math instruction per day for students K-2. The math room program will be in addition to the student's normal classroom math instruction.

Lodge stated that the SMART Table will be a part of the new math program by integrating technology and creating engaged learning for the students. Problem solving will be much more easily taught with the SMART Table aspect of teaching.

State of Illinois Superinten-dent of Schools Christopher Koch was on hand at CGS last Thursday, March 26 for a press conference to introduce the SMART Table concept to area teachers, administrators, media, parents and politicians.

Attending the press conference along with Koch were Marc Kiehna, Randolph/Monroe County Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Kelton Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Rebecca Keim, District # 139 Superintendent of Schools as well as local politicians and members of the media from media outlets within a 60-mile radius.

Chester School Board Members Shane Rock, President, Vicky Beers, Vice President and Bob Koenegstein were on hand to see the SMART Table in action. Mayor Mary Bert and City Treasurer Donna Clendenin were also in attendance.

Media outlets included The Southern Illinoisan, The Randolph County Herald Tribune, North County News, WSIU radio, KSGM/KBDZ Radio, WHCO Radio, WSIL Channel 3 TV, KTVI Channel 12 TV and numerous other outlets.

Rebecca Keim welcomed the group following a call to order by Tim Lochhead, CGS Principal. Mayor Bert also welcomed everyone to Chester and noted how pleased he was that CGS was chosen to BETA test the new SMART Table.

Bert further commented that the City of Chester had also cooperated with District # 139 in getting Channel 10 up and running and building three new softball fields and a walking trail at Cohen Park. "These initiatives were the result of a federal grant worth $440,000.00. District #139 had to contribute $100,000.000 to that project," said Bert.

State Superintendent Christopher Koch noted that SMART technology allows educators to think big and globally in their instructional efforts. He praised the efforts of the Chester Grade School staff who worked so hard to achieve this technology advancement. "Students will now be able to engage in learning and the SMART Table will allow students to apply this technology to their coursework."

A SMART Table comes to educators at a cost of $7,999.00 per table. Following the BETA testing period CGS Principal Tim Lochhead hopes that the school will be able to purchase a SMART Table for their own. "Our intention is to keep this one," stated Lochhead.

Following the formal introductions and statements by the dignitaries on hand it was the student's turn to demonstrate how the SMART Table actually works. Four CGS students volunteered to "show off" their recently learned skills. The four included Maddison Hoffman, Curt Meyer, Karson Colvis and Clay Herrell.

Spectators were amazed at the possibilities that the SMART Table offered. The interactive learning aspect of the SMART table dazzled everyone and the touch screen allowed all of the students to interact together to solve problems.

Chester Grade School is one of only 12 schools in North America to have a SMART Table for BEAT testing. The multi-touch, multi-user features promote discussion and collaborative learning. Up to six students can work at the SMART Table at a time.

The SMART Table is a fun, easy-to-use, interactive learning center that is equipped with relevant applications, lessons and activities geared to teach math skills. It is ideal for students grades K-3, ages 4-8.

Rae Raffin, SMART Technologies Corporation employee stated that SMART Tables are ready to use right out of the box. "The unit is approximately 25 inches high and 29 inches wide with a 27 inch screen," noted Raffin. The Table contains a customized-Personal Computer (PC) and projection system that can be turned on by simply pressing a single button.

Purchasers can also buy a software development tool kit that allows teachers to personalize and customize lessons and activities for their respective classrooms.

BETA testing for SMART Technologies allows testers to provide feedback to the SMART Technologies Corporation so that revisions and innovations can be made for the next generation of SMART users. Chester Grade School students and staff will be part of that feedback system and have a voice in the renovations made to the SMART Table for the future.

Following her presentation to the press conference, Rae Ruffin of SMART Technologies announced that Chester Grade School would receive a brand new SMART Board for their new Math Room in appreciation for their efforts to BETA test the new SMART Table.

Three elementary school teachers at CGS are currently working to learn how to use the SMART Table including Tracy Colvis, Kindergarten, Kasi Jany, 2nd Grade and Alisa Herrell, 3rd Grade. Herrell also helped to write a grant which helped to bring this amazing piece of technology to Chester. All three teachers have used their students to test the capabilities of the SMART Table.

To date all is looking good for CGS and students and teachers alike approve of the wonderful capabilities brought to the classroom via the SMART Table. Administrators and teachers hope to have a SMART Table at CGS for full-time use during the 2009-2010 school year.