At Abraham Lincoln School #14 in Elizabeth, NJ, third grade team teachers, Marylou Podolski and Michele DiMaio are helping students infuse technology into the Language Arts curriculum, utilizing the wealth of technology their school has received through a grant offered by the State of New Jersey for the second year. Through the grant, they have empowered their students to continue to infuse technology into daily reading and writing activities, which include the use of a mobile wireless laptop cart and computers in their classroom. Marylou, Michele and their colleagues have been working with IDE consultant Sharon West, implementing structures and strategies for increasing student achievement in writing and engaging students through technology infusion.
What do you feel has been your most effective use of technology?
Marylou: Motivating them. It is a good tool for at-risk students and an enrichment tool for students 
who are on grade level. Our more advanced learners can use it to conduct in-depth research and compare information during a lesson. Today's jobs require technology literacy skills - we need to prepare them for the workplace, and computers enable us to do this.
All students can develop confidence and skills with simple procedures on the computer, like saving file, or even typing through a program like Type to Learn. They need that basic know-how. We find that our students who have been a part of the STAR-W grant from last year know much more about the computers than those who were not. They are familiar with and more comfortable with the keyboard. Many don't have them (computers) at home and those that do, use them for games, not technological literacy.
Michele: Some students can really excel on the computer, where they may not have been able to normally. For example, they can listen and respond to stories on it. Recently, we completed a unit on Bats--the book was difficult for the less-motivated learner and the computer was high-interest. They were thrilled to use the websites about bats. It motivated them to go that extra step. It was more engaging for reading. Our better-abled students can, in the middle of the lesson, get immediate and "real time" information and put it together to share with the class.
What are your goals for future technology infusion?
Marylou: To integrate the computers more thoroughly into all lessons and to use it as naturally as you would any other tool, like a book or dictionary. It's just not used enough. Every student should really have a computer in class. It would be nice if questions were initiated right from the students themselves. It's just another resource they can have.
Michele: For the students to come in, pull out a computer and use it, as you would a book.
What advice do you have for teachers who want to infuse technology into the classroom?
Michele: Have patience! It takes time.
Marylou: Even if you only have two or three, don't be afraid to use them! Devise some sort of plan, a schedule. Any little exposure is better than none. Even third graders - don't be surprised at what they can find!
What is your philosophy of teaching?
Marylou: To help my students become independent learners and be intellectually curious, and to form a partnership with parents, students and the community.
Michele: Providing, patience, understanding and sense of order are the first steps to a successful learning environment. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment. As the year goes on, you see students progress, from September through June.
Any other thoughts?
Michele: Because of the grant, I became more comfortable professionally with technology and all
it could do. It's helped me a great deal. I completed my Master's degree online, and because of the grant, learned things I could do with computers, as my students were learning. I was nervous before, but exposure to technology makes me gain more confidence in using it.
Marylou has had 14 years total experience in the classroom, eight of those in early childcare. Michele is in her third year of teaching.
You can contact Marylou or Michele to discuss their technology-infused classroom at DEMAIOMI@edu.elizabeth.k12.nj.us or PODOLSKIM@edu.elizabeth.k12.nj.us.