14 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • NOVEMBER 2017 14 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2017 14 LONGISLANDPRESS.CO M • SEPTEMBER 201-----------TUTU111
Susan Sohmer, a fourth-grade teacher at
the New Hyde Park Road School, is a
seasoned veteran who’s witnessed the
evolution of education as it has gone from
analog to digital since she started teaching in
1971. She is excited about the ways technology
can not only enhance learning, but help to close
the achievement gap in education. Sohmer
shared her insights with us on the latest tech
trends in the classroom.
Long Island Press: What is your teaching
philosophy?
Susan Sohmer: My teaching philosophy is
to develop the academic, social and emotional
skills necessary for all students to become
lifelong learners and contributory members
in a diverse society.
LIP: How do you use technology in the
classroom?
SS: Technology is most important in my
classroom. With the advent of the Smart Board,
I create slides for every lesson. Each lesson is
supported with videos, YouTube and short films
(United Streaming) to supplement the lesson. As
students today are so well versed in technology,
the lessons must be stimulating and hands on.
All lessons are interactive where students work at
the Smart Board to answer questions and create
alternative answers. Students also use iPads. I
have the ENL class, so Google Translate comes
in very handy. Students practice math facts on
the computer with FASTT Math and IXL
programs. They read books through Accelerated
Reader. I also use Newsela, which offers
nonfiction articles to the students at different
Lexile Levels. The articles span all topics and
offer students current events. The articles can
be annotated and offer quizzes that keep me
apprised of the students’ proficiency.
LIP: Do you believe that technology can
be used to bridge the achievement gap in
education?
SS: I do believe that technology could be used
to bridge the gap in education. In this day and
age most children are far more tech savvy than
most adults. Education must be engaging, and
challenging. Gone are the days that education
is based on textbook teaching. It is necessary to
Spotlight Long Island
Susan Sohmer Uses Tech for Teaching
expose students to current events and current
statistics. With this ever-changing world, the
internet holds the key. When students are
engaged, they are more focused and students
take greater responsibility for their learning.
There are many programs for remediation and
enrichment which will truly meet the needs of
all learners. Students also learn through different
modalities. Technology is an alternate way to
reach reluctant students.
LIP: What is the most effective way to use
technology in teaching?
SS: An effective way to use technology is to
incorporate it into all subject areas. There are
programs such as STARS that assess reading
and math skills on the computer. I administer
this test three times a year. Through these
assessments, I can assess students’ levels and
accumulate data to drive individual instruction.
Technology allows us to enrich and remediate
students at their level.
LIP: How do students respond?
SS: Students are excited when they are able to use
the computer or iPads to enrich their learning.
My class has computer once a week for an hour.
There are four computers in my classroom. One
is connected to my Smart Board and the others
are for student use. Students create programs
to respond to literature, enjoy practicing their
math skills through FASTT Math and IXL, and
uncover the curriculum through the internet.
LIP: What is your mission?
SS: My mission is to provide opportunities for
students to become literate human beings and
lifelong learners. It is my mission to provide
lessons that embrace all modalities and learning
styles, ensuring that all children reach their full
potential. I also believe that all students should
be ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st
century by providing the tools necessary for
them to uncover the curriculum and create their
own educational journey. I hope to encourage a
zest for life and learning.
Custom Computer Specialists is proud to
sponsor Spotlight LI. Since 1979, Custom
has been dedicated to providing Long
Island’s schools, local government agencies,
healthcare facilities and businesses with
advanced technology solutions and
support. To learn more about Custom
Computer Specialists, or to be considered
for a future Spotlight LI, please email
info@customtech. com.
Custom Computer Specialists
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