Fulton's preschoolers will soon be using technology that will help them learn faster and leave them more prepared for later in their educational careers.
After a successful two-year trial run at Fulton Education Center (FEC), all four preschool classes will have their own interactive smart boards. The boards allow for customizable and visual learning experiences, which can be adjusted for each student at different developmental and learning stages.
Two of FEC's four preschool classrooms had used the boards in the trial. Fulton Education Center director Tressa Duncan said the trial began when FEC educators wanted to address all skill levels among their students, while preparing them for kindergarten classrooms across the district that already have smart boards.
"We've had so much success with two classes with seeing how motivating and interactive (boards are)," said Duncan. "They're exposed to technology at home, so they can use it here instead of coming to school and sitting at tables."
One of the first two smart boards was an extra board donated from Fulton High School, while the rest have been partially funded through stimulus funds. Duncan said the boards were costly but "well worth the expense." Smart boards for the other two classrooms are already in the building, and she hopes to have them installed and running in the coming weeks.