Brunswick Schools technology, classes prepare student for future

BRUNSWICK — In today's world, technology is an important aspect in every profession. Brunswick Schools is helping to prepare students for a technology-based future, both in and out of the classroom. "Technology can be a great tool to promote learning," said Roger West, Brunswick Schools technology coordinator. "Online content is always updated, which makes information easily accessible to students from anywhere at any time they need it." For instance, each student is provided a Chromebook, which gives them an equal opportunity to learn. A student's Chromebook can allow them to collaborate with other students, whether they are right next to each other or in another part of the city. Chromebooks are used as digital planners, for keeping track of grades, to check the lunch menu and more. Not only does the technology implemented affect students, but also teachers. "The technology here can make teachers' jobs easier without adding more work to their day," West said. At Brunswick, every classroom has a Smartboard, as opposed to a traditional whiteboard or the even more archaic chalkboard. This allows teachers to seamlessly present their screen to the class, show informational videos and easily help students present projects to their peers. Chromebooks and smartboards aren't the only form of technology used throughout a student's day. The district also hosts many popular technology-based classes throughout all levels of schooling such as Digital Art, Robotics and Project Lead the Way, which is provided in conjunction with the Medina County Career Center. "These courses are helping students learn the latest technology that applies to the workforce," said West. Project Lead the Way is among the most popular classes in the district and is available to students from sixth to 12th grade. The program works to introduce students to different career paths in both engineering and STEM. In PLTW, students learn different hands-on skills that they apply to their own projects. "PLTW allows students to have the opportunity and resources that they wouldn't normally have to utilize technology in many different ways," said Buddy Wolf, one of the PLTW teachers at Brunswick Middle School. In PLTW, students build, program and automate robots, use 3D printers for students to design, and use trial and error to accomplish their objectives. "I believe our program appeals to all students, whether they have a lot of experience with programming and building things or if some students have no prior experience at all," Wolf said. "Everyone can do it and have fun." Ryan Halko, a freshman at Brunswick High School, is one of more than 50 student "backpack journalists" (grades six-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program is sponsored by KDK Mitsubishi, Discount Drug Mart, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, Baskets Galore, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to www.bcsoh.org/domain/1154 to learn more about the program or visit thebeat.viebit.com to view videos produced by the students.