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Full Article from Molokai Island Times below:
By Francoise Snobel
Molokai Island Times
August 26, 2006
Photo by: Francoise Snobel
Onboard the Digital bus, teacher Ellen Federoff instructs students how to use GPS technology.
Moloka'i had a new set of wheels last week, as Akimeka LLC's Digital Bus made an appearance at the island's elementary schools. But don't let the exterior fool you- this bus is far from ordinary. Along with four wheels and padded seats, the Digital Bus is equipped with top-of-the-line Mac Laptops, digital microscopes, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, digital cameras, and water testing equipment.
"The Digital Bus exposes students and teachers to new technology," said Digital Bus Technology Coordinator, Alisa Manangan.
The Digital Bus, which serves as a mobile science and technology lab and is provided by the Hawaii Source Education Outreach Program, facilitates schools with high-tech science projects, including Field Study Research. The visit to Moloka'i served only as an introduction to the technology, and the bus remained parked on school property.
Last Thursday, The Digital Bus visited Kualapu'u Elementary School. Ellen Federoff, a teacher for the HSEO, was onboard to teach the students a short one-hour lesson that matched their class curriculum.
The first class to board the bus that morning, Ms. Haberstroh's Grade 5 Class, had a lesson about GPS and GIS systems. Students were given GPS devices to collect a sample of their location, and then used "TopoMap" software in the digital lab to figure out exactly where they were on a World Map.
The children were very excited watching the computer screens zoom in on Moloka'i, and eventually into Kualapu'u.
"This map will show you where you need to use your four-wheel drive," shouted out a student, obviously enthusiastic about the program.
"We know kids love computers and cameras. It's a medium they enjoy," said Rose Meyer, Kualapu'u Elementary School's Curriculum Coordinator. "This program is site-based, and isn't working out of a textbook. It's related to the island. It's hands-on and local."
Even Kualapu'u's Principal, Lydia Trinidad, took time out of her busy schedule to board the bus.
"It's nice to have these resources come, as we are trying to conceptualize a science program," said Ms. Trinidad. "This program brings things from the outside world here. Experience and exposure is very important. This enriches their learning experience."
For direct link to Molokai Island Times article, click here.
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