Forestdale
Instructional Technology

Instructional technology at Forestdale enriches the classroom content, thus impacting student achievement through creative approaches to learning. Achieving high-levels of student interest in the core content areas is a direct result of the enhanced infrastructure and classroom computing options available to all students. Generous donations from multiple federal government agencies and neighboring elementary schools have tremendously increased opportunities to explore the world outside of Fairfax County.

Each student has access to classroom computers and wireless mobile laptops that host a student software suite. The ability of teachers and students is enhanced by a building-wide computer standard of Pentium IV processors and Smartboard interactive whiteboards in every classroom and an online weather center sponsored by WeatherBug Achieve.

Every grade-level teacher at Forestdale has a projector cart in the classroom to aid in the instructional process. Access to Discovery Educators Network allows students the ability to view streaming media within standard lesson format and with this added ability to learn through visual literacy, students develop a stronger connection to the content. An assessment system, the Smart Senteo, was added to the technology line-up in October 2008. The response clicker system allows both student and teacher the added benefits of receiving immediate feedback from content questions. SMART Slate™ wireless slates were added to six classrooms in March 2009, The wireless slate allows teachers and students to write on the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, wirelessly control applications and interact with digital content – from anywhere in the room.

The student-run closed circuit television station, WFES, provides students school-wide with a daily beat on items of interest. The news studio is located in the library media center and supports live broadcast ability and digital media integration through Windows 7 computers and video editing software applications. The studio also supports vast curriculum integration projects that promote group collaboration and tap into the creative talents of all students.

Additional opportunities for enrichment are exemplified with student participation in the year long Global Awareness Technology Project. Fifth grade students work collaboratively in groups involving studying the curriculum and researching and gaining an understanding of eight questions then selecting one question to research for their project.

In addition, students have the oppurtunities to participate in Global Classroom video conferences to share and compare ideas with students from other schools across the county, nation and world.

This year third through sixth grade students will be embarking on a new adventure in testing by taking online SOL tests on netbooks and laptops. Students will have multiple oppurtunities throughout the year to use and demonstrate their technology skills by using laptops and netbooks througout the year as they work toward the goal of taking online SOL tests.