ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606240072
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
TECHNOLOGY IS THE THING some teachers are using to get students excited about learning. Eight such teachers are being recognized by Cox Communications.
Roanoke teacher Eberto Morejon is using computers to try to get kids hooked on school.
Morejon, a fifth-grade teacher at Morningside Elementary, has started an after-school computer club to give children an opportunity to learn more about computers and have some fun.
"I wanted them to have a chance to spend some time on computers out of school with no pressure on them," he said. "I thought they could improve their skills, but mainly I wanted them to enjoy it."
Twenty-four children joined the club, which met weekly this past school year. They played computer games, upgraded their reading and writing skills, and learned more about cyberspace.
Most of the children remained in the club for the entire school year and plan to return next year, when it will meet twice weekly.
"If I can have one kid get excited about school because of computers, it's worth the time," Morejon said.
He is one of eight teachers in Roanoke and Roanoke County who have been recognized by Cox Communications for their use of technology in the classroom. The teachers were selected by school administrators for their teaching skills and integration of technology into their instruction.
Cox Communications, which operates the cable television system in the city and county, has produced a one-hour program featuring the teachers. It will air today at 8 p.m. on WCOX (Channel 9).
"Many people are not aware of the level of technology to which young people are exposed in classrooms," said Gretchen Shine, Cox's general manager.
The teachers featured in the show use various technologies, including word processing software, video microscopes, laser disks and 3-D programs.
Bob Steinmetz teaches a computer repair course at Roanoke's Noel C. Taylor Learning Academy in which students learn to take apart and reassemble computers. They also learn about networking and other aspects of computer technology.
School officials said the course helps prepare students for jobs with computer firms when they get out of school.
Michael Sebolt, a health and physical education teacher at William Byrd Middle School, uses computer programs to help teach his students about smoking, blood pressure and other health issues.
Students have computer access to data on physical fitness and diseases. They can get as much information as they want at the interactive computer stations in his classes.
Sebolt attends education conferences and constantly searches the Internet for new teaching methods that will make more effective use of technology.
At the Arnold R. Burton Technology Center in Roanoke County, Cathy Layman's commercial art students use computers for designing, drawing and painting. The students also use digital cameras.
Other teachers cited for their work with technology include:
Jodi Poff, a first-grade teacher at Cave Spring Elementary in Roanoke County, who teaches basic keyboarding, word processing and other computer skills to 6-year-olds. Her pupils learn how to use computer printers and other technology.
Thelma Haynesworth, a biology teacher at William Byrd High School in Roanoke County, who uses video microscopes and laser disks in her classes. With the video microscopes, the entire class can see what's under a microscope because it is shown on a screen.
Ellen Allman, a fifth-grade teacher at Monterey Elementary in Roanoke, who has taught her pupils to use computers to prepare science projects with graphics and other visual aids. Allman said she has expanded the use of computers in her classroom "since I've gotten over my fear of them."
Cindy Hill, a fourth-grade teacher at Monterey Elementary, who uses interactive television and laser disks in her class. Her pupils use computer programs to improve their math and English skills.
Shine said the teacher award show is part of Cox's commitment to education in the city and county. The company provides cable service, teacher workshops and educator guides free to the schools. She said it has donated over $8,000 worth of equipment this past school year.
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: PHILIP HOLMAN/Staff. Eberto Morejon began a computerby CNBclub at Morningside
Elementary where he teaches fifth grade. color.