First graders at the Village Elementary School are learning to make electronic journals of their science experiments. With hand held computer and stylus, students enter data which is then uploaded to desktop computers where students create their learning journals. "We have a responsibility to give students authentic experiences with technology tools that will be useful to them in the real world," Learning Through Technology Teacher Loren Burch said. "With hand helds, kids are learning to solve a problem, complete the task, understand key words, distinguish between useful and extraneous information, and follow directions."

Hilton Learning Through Technology Teacher garners national reputation

Loren Burch, a Learning Through Technology Teacher in the Hilton School District, has been recognized at the state and national levels for her work integrating technology into the classroom. In December she was selected by Scholastic, Inc. to be a member of its National Teacher Advisory Board, one of 50 educators selected from across the country. Scholastic is a well-known publisher of children's books and web-based learning tools.

Originally an elementary classroom teacher in the Hilton School District (1985-1999), Burch now serves as a schoolwide technology teacher in the district's Learning Through Technology Department. She has been described as an "exemplary, high-performing educator" by Scholastic and as part of her recognition, she has agreed to review educational materials which are still in development. In addition, she will receive a collection of Scholastic books and instructional materials.

In November, Burch received another honor: a $2,500 grant from the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education to purchase handheld computers to use in elementary classrooms for science instruction. She was one of three recipients across the state out of a pool of 30 who applied for the funds. Additionally, Burch has led her Village Elementary students in a quest to participate in NASA Shuttle Launch programs through the Internet. Students at the Village School signed a poster which was stowed aboard the shuttle Endeavor which launched in November. Extensive web sites developed by NASA, Lockheed Martin and the Challenger Learning Center invite students to participate in design and engineering aspects of the U.S. space program.

In 2000, Burch was honored as WXXI Teacher of the Year by Public Broadcasting System's local television affiliate. She is a 1973 Hilton High School graduate and holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in education from SUNY Brockport.