The annual “Students for the Information Age” TECH 2018 event, held last week in Springfield, featured Iroquois West students. They were among several hundred from various Illinois school districts showcasing their technology knowledge.

The event was at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield.

At the event, students showed the public and members of the Illinois State Senate and House of Representatives how technology is being used in the classroom to increase student engagement and improve achievement. From elementary to the high school classrooms, TECH 2018 highlights the crucial role that technology plays in education — ranging from increases in collaboration and critical thinking, to promoting learning beyond the limits of the school day — by creating a space for students to share their learning and innovative uses of devices, the internet, and digital curriculum.

Taking part in the demonstrations locally were second grade students from Iroquois West Elementary School: Karsyn Arie, daughter of Nick and Kristy Arie, Watseka, and Jordyn Meents, daughter of Justin and Kara Meents, Gilman.

The girls presented a project called, “C’mon, Get Appy!”, in which they showcased the various apps they use to create and collaborate every day in their classrooms. Each student at IWES has their own Android device to use for engaged, motivated learning across the subject areas.

The purpose of TECH 2018 is to raise awareness of the critical role technology plays in preparing students to succeed in today’s world, and to show the need for increased funding for classroom technology. Students demonstrated for lawmakers and the public the creative ways technology is being used to enhance and accelerate student achievement in Illinois schools today.

94.1 WGFA