ICEF Vista Academy’s Public Computer Center opened its doors to students, parents and the community at large, in August of 2011. Since then, Mr. Ryan Gomez (school Principal), teachers and staff have incorporated the Public Computer Center as a vital part of their educational structure, in addition ICEF Vista hosts weekly parenting classes. Using funds from the Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant, YPI installed a Public Computer Center on campus. The computer center is located in Ms. Aziza Pavageau's second grade class. Below are some of Ms. Pavageau’s best practices for maximizing instruction and computer usage in her class:
- I am piloting a blended learning program in my classroom. This program allows students to use the computers daily, during math and language arts.
- My students use various reading websites during our daily DEAR :
- Drop Everything And Read) time.
- I use different programs and websites to help supplement instruction during tutoring.
- Students are allowed to use the computers in the morning before school starts.
- Benchmark tests are given online, saves paper and grading time!
- Students that are not in YPI programs are able to come and use the computers for homework after school.
- I host open lab for students that are not enrolled in the after school program. They get to use the computers while I am tutoring small groups of students.
- The computer lab is available to other teachers when my students go to PE and during lunch.
- The last Thursday of every month, I switch classes with a middle school art class so they can use the computers. During this time, my students can see what it feels like to be in a middle school classroom.
- My students are also able to use the computers when they complete assignments early.