“One of the vowel sounds we are working on is ‘ehhhh’ for the letter ‘e.’ Can everyone say that? Now, let’s watch LetterSchool draw the sound on the big screen,” said Melissa Forster, Lincoln Elementary School kindergarten teacher. “Now, let’s practice writing the sound on your iPad.”

The kindergartners learned letter and handwriting skills with the iPad app, LetterSchool, which is a tremendous challenge for young children. LetterSchool ensures that students absorb all the necessary knowledge as they develop fine motor skills. This optimal preparation for handwriting gives them a head start and forms the foundation of literacy.

LetterSchool is just one way that Forster uses technology with her students. She, like many other JPS elementary teachers, has realized the benefits of technology in her classroom to enhance curriculum. A research study showed that kindergarten students using iPads scored much higher on literacy tests than students who didn’t use the device.

Joey Leone, Fletcher Elementary School fourth-grade teacher, has long used technology in his classroom.

“I was part of the CORE Teacher Program in 2012, which provided professional development for technology. I loved learning all the ways I could use it in the classroom,” Leone said. “I especially loved learning iMovie and use that a lot with my classes to motivate and inspire them to learn the curriculum.”

One project Leone creates every year with his fourth-graders is a group iMovie presentation to go along with their Local Lore social studies unit. The students research and write biographies of famous local historical figures and also draw a portrait. With the help of the Fenton Museum, students dress up as the historical character and Leone videotapes each one reading his or her biography. The class creates voice-overs and titles and edits the iMovie into one presentation that everyone can watch.

“Instead of a traditional presentation where a student gets in front of the class and talks, the iMovie helps those students who might find it challenging to present in front of a group,” Leone said. “Technology is motivating and the way of the future. We must get our students using it in the classroom as a young age.”