Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, February 01, 2011

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High school students in the technology think tank offer suggestions to FCPS leaders and technology decision-makers on the district level.

Aiming to stay ahead of the curve, Fayette County Public Schools boasts a student technology think tank whose members have the ear of Superintendent Stu Silberman.

“We are truly blessed with some of the top technology students you will find anywhere. They advise on the direction we need to be moving with technology in our district,” Silberman said. “Who better than our students to advise us on planning for the future?”

Made up of five students from each of the five high schools, this advisory team convenes quarterly to float ideas, share recommendations and offer the next generation’s perspective on how FCPS can make the most of technology in providing a world-class education.

“A lot of students in groups like these are more on the front line, the vanguard, of emerging technology,” explained Connor Callaway, a senior at Henry Clay High School.

Teenagers could be more familiar with the latest alternatives such as new browsers, and they might have a clearer understanding of how certain equipment pans out. For instance, SMART Boards can be more helpful with math problems than English lessons, Connor suggested, so it might not be practical to put them in every classroom.

Early on, the students divided into focus groups and generated a list of priorities they would like to see implemented, such as online material replacing traditional paper textbooks.

District leaders are taking note of all their proposals.

“We have made adjustments to our plans based upon our kids’ feedback. They have some great insight into what will and will not work in our schools,” Silberman said.

FCPS launched the technology think tank late last spring after Silberman sought principals’ recommendations for members. A lot of these teens also participate in the Student Technology Leadership Program in their schools. 

“They’ve become known in their own school for being really up on the latest trends,” said Greg Drake, the district’s coordinator of instructional technology.

Silberman, Drake and Technology Director Mike Burke gather with the think tank at “It’s About Kids” Support Services for informal meetings.

“They’re trying to figure out what technology would work better in the classroom,” said Maria Ortiz, a sophomore at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. “I take notice of the problems students and teachers are having and bring them here,” she added.

Sometimes Silberman also presents a problem-solving opportunity. At the last meeting, he talked about how FCPS can get a surer handle on the flood of comments on its Facebook page, which has more than 16,000 fans.

In another small-group exercise, Burke and Drake noted how Fayette County’s fast-growing population might necessitate building a new high school sometime in the future. The think tank’s task was to design one that prepares students for the 21^st century work force. Would it have a theme, concentrating on the arts, medicine, business or global affairs? What would the kids add that a typical high school doesn’t have? And what kinds of courses should it offer?

“People are going to look at what you write and take it seriously,” Burke told them.

Whether speculating in “what if” scenarios or weighing in on tangible projects, the students appreciate having a voice at the district level when it comes to technology.

“It’s cool to have a say in something that will affect a lot of people,” Maria said.

Did you know?

Think-tank students produced “Did you know?” videos about job prospects and technology in the local community.

• Bluegrass demographics & workforce and education stats (by Lafayette High School)
• High-tech initiatives in Lexington (by Bryan Station High School)