Reps. Ackert and Belsito Encourage the Use of Technology in the Classroom

HARTFORD- State Representatives Tim Ackert (R-8) and Sam Belsito (R-53) encouraged students from their district to explore the creative use of new technologies during the 19th Annual Connecticut Educators Computer Association (CECA) Technology Exposition at the State Capitol today.

“The more we can introduce our students to new technologies in the classroom the better,” said Rep. Ackert, Ranking Member of the Energy & Technology Committee. “The innovations taking place right in our backyard are truly amazing. These bright students will one day change the world.”

“Encouraging technology use at an early age will help prepare our students for the future,” added Rep. Belsito. “It’s wonderful to see the passion, hard-work, and dedication from our students to create devices and apps that will make life easier for all of us.”

Students from Coventry, Tolland and Vernon joined their peers from around the state to show off their innovations and to discuss the rapid changing technology environment with policymakers.

An energetic group of six-grade students from Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School in Coventry became involved in printing, assembling, and testing 3D printed prosthetic hands for children across the globe. The project has created six hands thus far for distribution to those children in need.

The bright third-graders from Northeast School in Vernon were able to create a workable tablet app, Puppet Pals, which gives students the ability to share, collaborate, and produce a fully-scripted fairytale stories.

A Tolland High School student, Madalyn Reagan, has produced an Android app to help consumers purchase all kinds of products easier. The app, 5 Corners, allows shoppers to scan or search for products, and then compare prices. In addition, there is a discount calculator function, that gives consumers a final price with any coupons they may have.

Tolland Intermediate School also had a group of third-graders participating in the expo to show-off their iPad app, Chatterkids, which gives students the ability to construct thirty-second video or audio clips on various subjects, and then decorate their recordings within the app.

Since 1980, CECA has had the opportunity to share the best practices of technology use in the classroom to stimulate creativity, promote student achievement and expand our ability to impact others globally.

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