Teaching with technology: Hatboro-horsham High School


	Resources
	School of the Future Hatboro-Horsham High School Web site Microsoft Educator Web site

Teacher spotlight

Science Technology Coach Natalie Fetterman

At Hatboro-Horsham High School, the technology coaches are very successful in helping the teachers enrich the content they present. As a Biologist and Science Technology Coach, Natalie Fetterman gathers online resources so that biology classes can include more problem-based learning, technology-infused lessons, differentiated instruction, and student choice. She even includes Microsoft Office PowerPoint slide shows, complete with animations and interactive lessons. Watch a video of Natalie using technology in the classroom. (Windows Media File)

Hatboro-Horsham High School

Schools all over the country are reaping the benefits of teaching with technology, developing 21st-century learning communities that are engaging and inspiring to teachers and students alike. Educators and administrators are creating new models for learning and environments that promote digital inclusion—with many positive results.

Hatboro-Horsham High School, in Horsham, Pennsylvania, finds that integrating technology in all areas of the learning experience can helps the school in multiple ways.

On this page:

Support individual learning and differentiated instruction.
Improve professional development.
Increase productivity.

Support individual learning and differentiated instruction

The teachers and content-specific technology coaches at Hatboro-Horsham High School are working to find student-centered ways of integrating technology. Students use computer-based tutorials in math class to support individual learning. In English class, they participate in an online book discussion group. Technology supports differentiation and student choice. According to both teachers and students, technology helps students engage intellectually in their work.

Improve professional development

Although Hatboro-Horsham High School has invested in hardware and software, the most important investment it has made is in its people. The technology coaches, who provide ongoing mentoring and support to teachers in their respective academic disciplines, play a significant role in professional development. The Hatboro-Horsham Framework for Instructional Coaches states, "Instructional coaching is fundamentally about teachers, teacher leaders, school administrators, and central office leaders working together with a strong focus on data—and evidence-informed student learning as the ultimate barometer of improvement."

Watch the video below about technology coaching.

Increase productivity

Teachers and technology coaches have even found ways to use technology to increase their own productivity. Brian Fetterman, a Hatboro-Horsham High School English Teacher, developed an extensive Web site to communicate with parents and students. In his educational philosophy, Brian states his commitment to keeping current with technology and to finding innovative ways to support his students' learning. He uses chat software to hold virtual meetings with Meredith Kane-Sokol, the English Technology Coach.

Watch the video below to see one of these virtual meetings.

Overcoming challenges

As with many schools and districts, budget plays a significant role in the school's ability to incorporate technology. To its credit, Hatboro-Horsham High School won a "Classrooms for the Future" grant. This grant allows the school to advance initiatives already in place to integrate technology in every area of the learning community. In addition, the school principal worked closely and creatively with the assistant superintendent at budget time to carve out the technology coaching positions.