By CHELSEA BURNETTE
chelsea.burnette@gaflnews.com
ATLANTA — On March 29, four Southwestern Elementary students from Cordele visited the capitol in Atlanta to demonstrate technology tools used in their school.
Fifth grade students Adam Burnett, Elizabeth Davis, Logan Marchant, and Allyssa Clements were among those chosen to travel to the Georgia Capitol. Principal, Suzi Gianonni; 5th grade teacher Jennifer Statham; media specialist, Joy Edwards, and two parents, Pam Clements and Hugh Marchant, accompanied the students on this educational trip.
RESA personnel selected Southwestern to represent the district on Capitol Tech Day. The students showed Georgia legislators how they use technology in their schools to encourage them to continue funding technology programs.
Students at Southwestern Elementary School are engaged daily in hands-on activities using 21st century technology tools. Classroom activities become exciting, educational, and interactive experiences through the use of these tools, Ms. Statham says.
As a result, student performance at Southwestern is steadily rising. The students demonstrated these effective, educational interactives using Mimio technologies on Capitol Tech Day.
The “Mimio Board” is made by Howard and comes with the board, a Mimio pad, a document camera, and a dvd player. It is a portable device similar to an overhead projector except that it does so much more.
The students had the opportunity to meet State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. She said she was glad to see the students using technology and having fun while they are learning.
Southwestern Elementary students play educational games such as Math Fries, Education City, and Free Poverty. Fifth grader Adam Burnett says, “it makes class alot more fun. We’re not just sitting in a dull classroom.”
On their trip, the students ate at Hard Rock Cafe and got to visit the World of Coke. Mrs. Gianonni and Mrs. Edwards made this possible by getting sponsors to pay for the outing.
Sponsors included Chris Greene, Clark Buford Bait Co. Inc., Crenshaw Jewelers, Gibson’s, Phillips Appliance, Striplings, and Cordele Concrete.
