East View Elementary Schoolteacher Amanda Davis one East View Teacher oneof 13 providing input on student technology

Amanda Davis, a fifth-grade teacher at East View Elementary School, was one of 13 representatives from various counties in Kentucky selected to meet at the Capitol Education Center (CEC) in Frankfort to discuss the type of technology and techniques that would best benefit students touring the capitol campus. The 13 representatives were selected from more than 400 applicants. 

The meeting was facilitated by Steve Rosenberg, executive assistant of the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet; and First Lady Jane Beshear, who envisions the CEC as a learning center demonstrating state-of-the-art technology for students and teachers who visit Frankfort. The CEC will house interactive displays that address multiple subjects, such as science, social studies, math and language arts. 

The focus group developed ideas such as stand-alone kiosks, a wall covered with interactive boards, and hands-on manipulatives. “The focus was on civics, environmental responsibility and sustainability, with the idea of technology in mind,” Davis said. “The final presentation and opening of the Center is tentatively set for August 2012.” 

Planners working on the CEC project had requested input from fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade teachers about what technologies should be employed for the exhibits and other design decisions about how the facility should be configured and operated in order to best serve visiting groups of students. 

Amanda Davis teaches reading/literacy, social studies, math and science at East View Elementary School, where she also serves as fifth-grade Professional Learning Community leader, yearbook adviser/editor, and as a member of the Programs of Review committee. She has taught at EVES for 10 years, including three years as a fifth-grade teacher.