Submitted by WNC EdNET
Conference presenters included a student group from Swain County High School who shared information on Internet Safety Peer Teaching. The student presenters are (from left) Emily Donavan, James Whitt, Lyndon Higdon, and Jeddidiah Griffin. (Photo courtesy of WNC EdNET)
Students from six area high schools met Thursday, Dec. 3 at Cherokee Central Schools for the WNC EdNET Student Technology Advisory Council Fall Conference. The conference brought together students for a day of discussion and learning about how technology is impacting their learning experiences. Fifty students and their faculty sponsors represented Cherokee High School, Hayesville High School, Murphy High School, Nantahala School, Robbinsville High School, and Swain County High School.
Last school year each of the schools established a Student Technology Advisory Council, participated in school-based activities on technology topics, and collaborated regionally with other councils through video conferences. Students were chosen for participation based on leadership potential, interest, and skills in technology-based learning.
The 2009 Fall Conference allowed the students to review and refine their mission and goals, to provide input for the further development of the wncteenspace website which was created to promote communication and collaboration between the councils, and to participate in sessions on specific technology topics.
This school year each council is planning a school-based service project designed to promote more creative and effective uses of technology in its school community. Students will also continue to participate in monthly regional video conferences. A spring conference is planned to allow students to showcase the accomplishments of their school-based projects and other outstanding uses of technology by students and teachers.
According to WNC EdNET Student Engagement Coordinator Janet Clapsaddle, “We are very appreciative of Cherokee Central Schools and its administrative staff for hosting this event for regional students. A special thanks goes to Libby Abbott, Heather Gibson, and Nicole Jackson for their help in making the event possible. It was evident from the feedback provided by students and faculty that a lot of positive energy was created from the sharing of ideas at the conference. We look forward to adding more schools and students to the network in the future.”
The Fall Conference and Student Technology Advisory Councils are sponsored by WNC EdNET, and activities are funded in part by Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
