When most people think of a classroom, they think of a teacher lecturing in front of a group of kids. But J.A. Hughes Elementary School in Red Lake Falls, Minn., is exploring a new classroom format that leverages HP technology within an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum. The new approach re-casts teachers in the role of facilitator and encourages students to take fuller responsibility for their assignments.

The results have been eye-opening, ranging from a decrease in disciplinary problems to improved test scores.

The changes to Hughes' teaching methodologies didn't happen overnight. And the initial impetus came from an unexpected source. In the summer of 2000, a nonprofit environmental group, The Nature Conservancy, acquired over 24,000 acres of land (since increased to 35,000) about ten miles from Red Lake Falls to create the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. The goal of the refuge: reclaim land that had been used for gravel extraction, farming, and ranching and restore it as native prairie and wetlands.

The following year, after touring the refuge, two teachers from Hughes contacted the Nature Conservancy to propose that it partner with the school's students. The Nature Conservancy agreed, and the school's Glacial Ridge Project was born.

Objective

J.A. Hughes Elementary needed technology and teacher training to realize its vision of facilitator-led, project-based curricula.

Approach 

The HP Technology for Teaching Grant provided Hughes with both the technology and professional development resources it needed to develop and implement its ideas.

IT Improvements

• Wireless tablets enable students to collect field research data
• Digital projectors allow teachers to present more compelling classroom materials

Academic benefits

• Students' comprehension of materials improved
• Students more engaged, enthusiastic
• Fewer discipline problems
• Test scores improved
• Teachers more comfortable with technology

Click here for the full story. (PDF)

To learn more, visit www.hp.com

© 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

4AA1-3649ENW, June 2007