By Katharine Friedman
Correspondent
Computers in today’s world are now smaller, portable, and for many, easier to understand.
The first grade students at Raritan Valley Elementary School in Hazlet can attest to those facts.
This year the students were presented with their own Google Chrome to use for school purposes, and with the help of the teachers over the past few months, have quickly grasped the concept of Chrome.
Karen Dundas, a basic skills/target reading teacher at Raritan Valley, had previously used Google applications with other students before she came to the idea that the school’s first graders could learn Chrome just as well.
“Using Google applications helps them to reach their goals; they use it for math, language arts, Google slides and drawings.” said Dundas. “They are very comfortable with it.”
The students are currently using Chrome for shared projects within their class. Two or more students work on a certain number of slides, splitting the work evenly.
On March 31, Raritan Valley opened it their doors to the parents, who were treated to the skills that their children attained with their work on the computers.
The students shared with their parents their projects they have been working on, including slides about spring time, insects and even the Titanic.
Dundas’ thoughts about cookies on computers resulted in her idea to serve cookies to the parents while they admired the work of the students.
“I wanted to show what they were capable of” said Dundas while she proudly praised the first graders. “Technology is an aid to reach our educational goals, children are capable, it’s a use in everyday life and it’s an integral tool we use in the classrooms.”
The students were also treated to cookies once they finished they stored away their laptops.
Among the visitors on March 31 was Hazlet Mayor Sue Kiley, who was invited to the event.
“I was so impressed by their abilities and their excitement to show me and the parents who attended what they were learning.” Kiley said. “Our future is in good hands.”
