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Fans of the TV show "Jeopardy!" might feel right at home as students in East Islip High School's newly expanded science department.
As with contestants in the show, part of students' success depends on how fast they can hit their remote-control button in answer to questions on a screen. Science teachers choose topics relating to biology, chemistry, earth science and physics, as well as Advanced Placement biology, chemistry, living environment and physics.
Game with many winners
Known as "Edugame," the system made its class debut in East Islip Oct. 14 as the result of a grant request written this summer by science director Gary Repeto and agreed upon by school board members of the East Islip Union Free School District. The program for the year cost $5,100, paid by a New York State grant for enhancing education through technology.
The school's science teachers were trained by Melanie Fox of Commack, trainer for the system's Huntington manufacturer, Eduware Inc.
Twenty-eight other school districts on Long Island also have the system, including the Huntington Union Free School District, and Hampton Bays Union Free School District, which uses a special computer that displays a teacher's questions on a screen. The East Islip students — 441 ninth-graders — then use individually number-coded remote controls to electronically record their answers.
The Eduware system can be used to test students individually, or students can break into teams and use the program as a review game. "A child says he or she would like to choose a certain topic with a point amount ranging from 100 to 500," Repeto said of the team review game. "The question is revealed on screen and the teacher presses 'choice.' Then the machine says, 'ready,' 'get set,' and the teacher presses the button saying 'buzz in.' A team leader, chosen by the other three members, then presses one of four choices."
If the team's answer is correct, the computer praises the team with the words "Congratulations, great job." If incorrect, the word "Wrong" is displayed and another team member gets a chance to answer.
"It's great the way the teams collaborate together," Repeto said. "Kids applaud when a team wins."
Teacher Genesis Krebs finds this method offers students "a break from the monotony of taking written notes and provides children with different learning styles. The students also have a lot more fun using their remotes."
Speedy reaction from class
Many of her students were quick to agree. "I like the buttons," Gina LaTerza, 15, said. "It makes it so much easier to participate."
Mary DePinto, 14, added, "It's cool because of the equipment. I answered more questions than usual."
"It's fun," said Jorge Torrejon, 14. "I feel more free to answer questions."
Since the youngsters don't have to raise their hands to answer, some of the shyer students feel more comfortable participating with others in their class, Repeto said. And with answers tabulated electronically, the teachers can know right away how to upgrade some of their lesson plans to help their students better grasp the subject.
When asked about the difference between having the students respond verbally or answering science questions by coded remotes, Krebs said a verbal response only reflects the knowledge of a sampling of students called upon. By using coded remotes, she's able to know which student may need extra help. The students can also use their computers and coded remotes to answer questions individually during tests.
And teacher Nancy Coggins Lynch is helping parents keep track of their children's learning skills by posting students' test scores online. Parents use a special access code and password to view the child's test results.
Also new this school year at East Islip High School is the option for students to use an online textbook for their living environment class, instead of carrying a hardcover version in their backpacks.
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