By BRITTANY LEVINE
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Shorecliffs Middle School recently got $13,000 worth of new technology donated by the school’s Parent Teacher Association and education foundation. But the new computers and projectors are just a steppingstone for another type of technology the school is eyeing that looks like a TV remote control and can chart students’ strengths and weaknesses over time.
“The 15 laptops and projectors were greatly needed at the school, where teachers were working on 7-year-old computers,” Principal Kenny Moe said.

Looking forward, the next big technological purchase Moe wants to make are student response devices that look like they belong on a game show.

Students use the response devices to punch in answers to questions from teachers, tests and quizzes. The teachers can collect data about the students’ answers and turn the information into bar charts to help pinpoint where the students need to improve.
Without the new laptops, Moe said, the school could not support the software used to operate the devices.

“The technology for the devices has been around about two decades, but the demand for them in education circles has spiked the past five years,” said Jaci Hendricks, a spokeswoman for Qwizdom Inc., which makes the devices.

Shorecliffs has had demonstrations of the devices, which principals at some area schools say increase students’ desire to learn.
San Clemente’s Bernice Ayer Middle School started using a set of Qwizdom response devices about two weeks ago in the math department, said Principal Holly Feldt. “Vista del Mar School has used the devices for about a year in its math department and is looking to expand into the science department,” said Principal Adam Ochwat. Both Bernice Ayer and Vista del Mar bought the devices using donated funds.

Other schools in the Capistrano Unified School District, such as Ladera Ranch Middle School, also use the devices.
Moe said the only thing stopping Shorecliffs from getting the response devices right away is a lack of cash. One set costs about $2,800. He hopes the PTA can raise the money.

Raising thousands of dollars for new technology hasn’t been something Shorecliffs has done on a yearly basis, but several months ago, when the Parent Teacher Association asked Moe what the school needed most, he said technology.
“The kids with technology, they are like fish in the water,” Moe said.

Contact the writer: blevine@ocregister.com or 949-492-5135

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