With the swipe of a finger, the touch of a keypad and access to the world wide web, learning styles of the twenty-first century have become virtually limitless. On March 10, 2011 the Lynchburg City Schools’ Department of Technology made quite an impression on the nearly 300 local business leaders that gathered at Lynchburg College for breakfast and a little lesson in technology in today’s classroom. The presentation was entitled “Transforming Teaching with Technology.” Tucked inconspicuously next to the salt and pepper on each table was an i-pod to demonstrate how “apps” are used as learning tools in the classroom. Next to the orange juice, a remote control which students use to answer questions during oral drills to prepare for Standards of Learning tests. And in the front of the room, a white board with touch technology that is simply fun for all.
Each student, according to the presenters, has a different learning style. Technology helps to reach these students in the most effective way—engaging a child by creating individualized experiences within a classroom full of students.
The breakfast is an annual fundraiser held by the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation. Dubbed “Breakfast with the Superintendent” the event is meant to foster advocacy for the school division, and raise funds for student scholarships, teacher grants and classroom supplies.
Sponsoring businesses include: Lead Sponsors BB&T, Centra, Fleet Laboratories, Piedmont Community Health Plan, and Verizon. Also sponsored by: AREVA, Bank of the James, Candler Oil, Colonial Brokerage House, Drs. Tim Courville & Joy Hilliard, Dominion Seven Architects, The Education & Research Foundation, Genworth Financial/Elena Edwards, Genworth Legal & Compliance Departments, Lee Hartman & Sons, Lynchburg Academy of Medicine, Lynchburg City School Board, Lynchburg College, Ellen Nygaard & Judy Frantz, RR Donnelley, Rosel & Elliott Schewel, Scott Insurance, Street and Company, Westover Dairy, and Wood & White Investment Advisors.