FEATURE Lomshek focuses on PAGE 6 student-centered learning
IN-DEPTH PAGE 4 & 5
NEWS Construction Update: Phase PAGE 2 two nearing completion
A look into the he arette latest E-cigarette used by students dents
@phsboosterredux @phsstu @phsstudentpub @pitt @pittpublication @p @phsboosterredux www.boosterredux.com ww
The
Booster Redux Q&A Paperless classes Pittsburg High School
Pittsburg, KS 66762
1978 E. 4th Street
December 2018
Vol. 101 Issue 2
with senior
Students, teachers refl ect on Canvas Dylan White WORDS BY Emma Fischer
S
PHOTO BY Shannon O’Hara
INTERVIEW BY Matthew Moore
Q: What award did you receive? A: “I received the 4A Offensive Player of the Year.”
ix years ago, five teachers at the high school piloted Canvas. Now, more teachers are starting to use it, and students are wondering why. The online learning management system allows teachers to put their curriculum as well as notes, assignments, and tests online so that their students have access to what they need, according to the company that manufactured it, Instructure Inc. Learning management systems are online-based programs designed to help schools and teachers in whatever ways they can. “[Canvas] breaks down these brick walls that we have in classrooms, and allows kids to have access to what goes on in that classroom at any time during the day,” assistant superintendent Brad Hanson said. Hanson is a supporter of the technological push the district is facing. Along with the implementation of Canvas into more teachers’ classrooms, schools have been using iPads and laptops. “There are so many [colleges] that use Canvas [or] have an online component. I think [learning management systems are] the way of the future, so people should get on board,” English teacher Emily Rountree, who uses Canvas every day in her classes, said. According to the district’s technology integration specialist, Jamie Howard, a major reason why the district decided to use Canvas
weren’t exposed to it while in middle school, was because of colleges in the four states leading junior Grace Puckett to dislike it. area. Howard has worked for the last six years “No one ever talked about it [in middle] on informing teachers on how to integrate school so it was ignored and then [in] high technology into their classrooms. One of his school… they didn’t use it until now,” Puckett major projects was piloting Canvas. said. “It’s really confusing. It’s hard to find “[The district] joined a consorting through things and teachers have to go over it all the Greenbush, and there were probably six or time [but] no ever gets it.” seven schools Puckett is among other involved students who also feel the from around same ways. us,” Howard “I don’t like using it said. “We sat completely for a class,” down and senior Emeral McCauley looked at what said. “You don’t always [universities have access to the internet. were doing Like if you’re on your way around us.] Christopher Saman to like a basketball game Most of the or something, you can pull universities in the four states use Canvas or something close to out your book and start doing [homework], but if you’re doing it on Canvas, you can’t do [it Canvas.” without internet access].” According to Howard, Canvas was partially Though some students dislike Canvas, others chosen for its use in universities in the four are fond of it. states, but it was also used for transfer students’ “It organizes my classes and it gives my comfort. The six or seven schools involved teacher an ability to give us a heads up in the decision decided to use one program on something if they were [to be gone],” so that if students transferred from school to sophomore Shamarrae Hardrick said. school, which happens often, there will be Hardrick’s classmate Christopher Saman also something at their new school that was used at agrees. their old school. “It helps me track what I need to have done,” In Pittsburg, Canvas is used at both the Saman said, “and to see how I can better middle school and high school. improve myself with assignments.” However, only a few teachers use it at the high school, and for some older students, they STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
“It helps me track what I need to have done and to see how I can better improve myself with assignments.”
A closer look at
Q: How did it feel when you were told you won? A: “I was super excited. I felt like all of my hard work had paid off.”
CANVAS
Q: How did your friends and family react? A: “They were all really excited for me and they are all excited to see what my future holds.” Q: What does this award mean to you? A: “This award isn’t about me. It’s an award that each player and coach on my team all share a piece of what we earned together.” Q:What can you attribute to winning this award? A: “To my parents for always making me work hard and not settle, and to my teammates for giving me the best opportunity to succeed. Most importantly, my coaches for pushing me to be the best player I can be, but more importantly, the best person I can be.” Q: What advice can you give to any kids who hope to one day receive this award? A: “No matter where you’re from or what your name is, if you put your mind to something, anything is possible.”
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