Greetings to all.  I am William LeRoy the “new” Technology Assistant for Forest Pines Elem.  I have been in the position since the beginning of December and I am greatly enjoying the opportunity to work with such great students and staff.  I am originally from south Georgia and have moved to Wake Forest as a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  I taught in Georgia for a few years and I am glad to be back in education.  I get the privilege of teaching basic computer skills to Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade as well as troubleshooting technology issues within the building as needed. 

- So far, Kindergarten has learned how to identify the physical components of a computer system and identify the computer as a machine that helps people work and play.  Now they are beginning the process of locating and using letters, numbers and special keys on a keyboard and placing the cursor at specified locations.  In short they are learning to type.

- 1st Grade has learned uses of technology at home, work and play, as well as the physical components of a computer system.  They are currently identifying and discussing fundamental computer and word processing terms and shortly will  begin a typing program.

- 2nd Grade has identified uses of technology and electronic databases in the community and discussed how telecommunication has changed how people work and play.  They are currently working to identify essential computer terms and the function of physical components of a computer system.  The next task they will embark on is word processing using proper typing techniques.  

- I am also looking forward to collaborating with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers and students in the future.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions at [email protected].

The Internet is a wonderful tool for all users. We can find almost anything with the click of a button and a few "key"words. But did you know that Internet Safety is important to practice? It's just like wearing a helmet when riding a bike, rollerblading, or skateboarding. You have to be safe and protect yourself when using a computer, mobile phone, or other technology. Here are some tips to remember...

Eric Hoth, WCPSS Information Security Officer states, "For younger children, consider OpenDNS (www.opendns.com) and locking Google safesearch inside each browser installed on a computer. OpenDNS protects every computer and other devices (PSP,Wii, Playstation, etc.) from commecting to inappropriate sites parents/guardians choose to block. Locking Google safesearch ensures that the "image search" on Google eliminates harmful and inappropriate images from searches."

Sites like Netsmartz Kids make learning about internet safety fun and age appropriate. Use the following URL to get to the site... http://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexFL.htm 

It was the start of another week in Tiffany Faison-Bullock's kindergarten classroom. The students were seated on the carpet, facing the white board learning how to write descriptive sentences using photographs. An observer in the classroom would notice, the white board used in this lesson was not your typical dry erase board but instead, an interactive white board.

Many schools have moved from the dry erase board to the interactive white board. These boards, loaded with software and touch sensitive technology, allow teachers the ability to create interactive lessons that engage students on a daily basis. Teachers at Forest Pines Drive Elementary, understand that the 21st century is here and using the latest technology will help to prepare students for a successful future.

Communication is an integral part of the academic success and it ensures educators and families are on the same page. While traditional forms of communication still exist, such as flyers and notes home, more and more families can conveniently access their school's website 24-7. Through these websites, teachers and schools can also provide resources that allow parents more involvement in their child's academic success. 

At Forest Pines Drive Elementary, many teachers use Wiki pages as a way to keep families in the academic loop. By clicking on the "Student Den" link a world of resources open up to our families.

Below is a look at the fifth grade Wiki page. Here fifth grade parents and students can find resources for each subject, as well as, assignments posted by each teacher. There is even a survey for students to vote and share their opinion of their fifth grade year. If you have not checked out your child's grade level Wiki site, try it today!

Imagine this...you walk into a room where you are met with the smooth sounds of contempary jazz playing in the background. There is a calm hustle and bustle of people interacting with the latest technology. Some are so engrossed, they are unaware of your presence. Others are working in groups, excited with the ideas being generated around an electronic device. They offer up inviting smiles as they see you take in your surrondings. Your shoulders relax a little and as you begin to walk around the room your brain synapses begin to fire with the heighten awareness of all senses. Welcome to The Technology Lounge.

This site will provide teachers, students, and parents the latest technology information in a relaxing user-friendly way. Hopefully when you leave the Technology Lounge, you will be inspired, engaged, and have a better understanding of how technology and education work together.