Antonia Elementary Captures Attention of Students,
Teachers and Parents

“Teachers can communicate with other professionals in their field from
all over the world,” enthused Kristine Baker

It’s no secret that teachers are competing with technology for their students’ attention. At Antonia Elementary, an ITEF grant helped them turn technology into a tool for classroom engagement and teachers’ resources.

Antonia Elementary, in Imperial, Missouri, dubbed their project “Acquiring New Technology Offers Noticeably Improved Academics,” a clever acronym for a dynamic classroom upgrade. The $15,000 ITEF grant purchased an Interactive Mimio Technology system that converts dry erase boards into interactive white boards for a classroom in each of their K-5 grades. Through additional fundraisers, the school purchased another board for each grade, and hopes to eventually have boards in every classroom, according to Kristine Baker, Antonia Assistant Principal.  “It is so exciting,” said Kristine, “to walk down the hall and see the boards in action throughout the school.” Students can interact with the board directly, or via a portable pad which projects student input onto the large board.

In addition to higher student engagement in classroom activities, the Mimio System provides access to the World Wide Web and thus a plethora of lesson plan ideas. “Teachers can communicate with other professionals in their field from all over the world,” enthused Kristine. “Teachers are able to offer fresh ideas and presentations on a daily—even –hourly basis.”

The Mimio System is a very welcome resource when trying to hold the attention of students who are accustomed to accessing entertainment and information via technology. “We’ve seen a much higher level of student engagement, for sure,” said Kristine.  “Plus, the parents are stopping by to get a firsthand look at this ‘mimio-thing’ they’ve heard about from their children.”

Through the A.N.T.O.N.I.A Project at this 500+ elementary school, educators have a dynamic classroom teaching tool, and the students are more engaged at school and home. Sounds like just the program for academic success!