WAYNE TOWNSHIP -
As more young people jump on to social networks to connect with friends, a similar approach is underway in some area classrooms.
At Chapelwood Elementary, there is a daily mix of personal guidance from teachers and online instruction. Each week, a class of second graders get hands on experience on how the Internet works, using a website called MyBig Campus.com.
"I'd say 'My Big Campus' is a Facebook for learning. It allows students to interact in that way, but also in a safe way and also in a way that's focused on education," said Wayne Township Schools Tech Officer Pete Just.
The educational website launched 18 months ago. The computer screens and bulletin boards are focused on how to effectively use online tools.
"It helps me type and it helps me understand books better and it helps me get the questions and learn how to answer more questions," said student Marc Porter.
"I really like the technology, like getting on the computer, like typing and stuff and I like typing, actually," said student Aria McAtee.
"It lets us talk to each other at home, when we want to talk to our friends. We can go to the chat room or give them a post at home," said student David Perez.
Chapelwood Elementary, along with other schools in Wayne Township, plugged into the My Big Campus website early on. The school district was one of five nationwide chosen to be part of the development team for the software, which takes a simple task, like reading a book, to the next level.
"What are their thoughts about the book? How would they change it? What did they like about the ending? Would they change the ending?" Just said. "Once they've posted that, other students can respond to that and tell them what they think about their ideas, they get immediate feedback from their peers and also from the teacher."
"It's been awesome. The kids love it, they've been so engaged. It's a lot like Facebook, what it looks like, so the kids learned it really quickly and they love getting on," said teacher Michele Eaton.
Teachers believe it's an approach that has children engaged and focused on the digital demands of the future.
