Frenship ISD Superintendent David Vroonland talked technology in education and asked for input from Lubbock County Commissioners on Monday during Lubbock County Commissioners Court.
During a half-hour-long presentation, Vroonland recalled the evolution in technology from seemingly primitive car phones to futuristic contact lens computers and DOS-based desktop PCs to smartphones as he made a case for an evolving need to educate students using technology.
Vroonland described what he called a need to focus on adapting the process of teaching students based in part on their success learning through technology.
“I think this is our future,” he said. “This is where we need to go in Frenship. This is where we need to go, frankly, nationwide, statewide. We need to get out of our modality of the teacher presenting a whole bunch of content and accept the fact that kids can learn a whole lot faster than a teacher can possibly keep up with.”
Frenship spokesman Andy Penney said Vroonland did not have a timeline or specific agenda for changes in technology and teaching methods, but is instead in the process of seeking input and support from community leaders.
Commissioners seemed receptive to Vroonland’s push for technology, with Precinct 3 Commissioner Gilbert Flores praising a conceptualized classroom featuring a room where several handfuls of students sitting at the same table would share a computer screen and receive much of their content through technology.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Patti Jones recalled how her children seemed most excited when computer lab time came at school.
She agreed with Vroonland in the importance of progress in the use of technology in education.
“If we don’t adapt, our kids are going to get passed worldwide,” she said.
Vroonland plans to make his presentation Monday during Frenship ISD’s board meeting, Penney said.
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