Currently, Mr. Ed Tack, a 6th-grade teacher, is piloting a new math and science series from Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.  The company has developed an on-line textbook that complements its hardbound text book, and has donated the software as well as brand new 2004 editions of middle school math and science books to Academy Prep of St. Petersburg.

There are many advantages to the software system. 

Each lesson contains elements for students of various learning styles. Research shows, for example, that some students learn best when material is presented visually. Other students benefit most through a lecture format, or by listening.

Still others tend to excel when they are able to touch and manipulate objects, which is called the kinesthetic style of learning. Every lesson has many examples and a tutorial that students can see, hear, and manipulate.

Each student has his own password, so each student has an individualized learning program. The program is on the Internet, so the students can work on it at anytime, including home. Due to the tutorial aspect of the program, students can review concepts as needed and can work at their own pace. They also have the opportunity to work ahead!

The Science software program is very similar to the math. It has many visual and kinesthetic activities and also provides for the auditory learner.  There are many links provided for further information and research.  In Mr. Tack’s view, the material is more interesting and up-to date than other science material that he has seen over the years.

Another beneficial aspect of both the math and science software is that it provides student assessment updates to the teacher. Teachers will know at the stroke of a computer key how well each student is comprehending the material. This is a marvelous teacher tool that will increase teacher ability to zero in on the exact problem a student may be facing when learning and to help him or her better understand it.

As a result of this project, our students have received well over $15,000 worth of merchandise and the best curriculum that money can buy. If all goes well with the pilot program, our 7th and 8th graders will also begin using it at their grade levels.

But our technology doesn't stop at math and science. AP has fostered a relationship with Berkeley Prep High School in Tampa, and Berkeley has extended the services of its Online Writing Lab (OWL) to our students.

7th-graders are the test group trying out the system this year, with hopes to offer it to other grades next year. Our students access the Berkeley Prep writing lab website, where they can type their essays and send them to their writing tutors, high school students at Berkeley who have been trained to help younger students with their writing.

The tutors will point out problem areas in each student's writing and make suggestions. Each student then can revise and submit his or her essay again.

Each tutor is helping three of our students, and Mrs. Marsha Wegner, the 7th-grade English teacher, can access all students’ work at any time.

On Jan. 20, teachers Mr. Andy Shannon and Mrs. Wegner took the 7th-graders to Berkeley where they were treated to lunch with their tutors. Our students also got to explore the website and learn how the writing system works.

Currently, the 7th-graders are typing their essays regarding their most recent Accelerated Reader novel.

Using this program will motivate students to pay closer attention to the mechanics and craft of writing. It also hones their word processing and Internet skills.

I will continue to update you on technology uses at AP.