Interactive displays win raves in parish schools

Essentially turning the classroom into a game show, the responders make learning fun for students while allowing teachers to check for student understanding, teachers say.

Another tool is a hand-held overhead projector that uses Bluetooth technology to project what's written on its surface onto any screen.

Both are cheaper alternatives to the $1,200 Promethean boards, which the district and schools purchased with grant money, Title I money, PTA contributions and the schools' technology budget, Meyer said.

"We're just trying to keep up with the kids," she said.

To that end, the district has invited Promethean consultants to demonstrate how the board can be used, and holds professional development sessions at its Covington-based education center and in individual schools.

Abita Middle School teacher Marie Endermann says the board is "very awesome," but, like any new technology, is not without kinks. The projector can freeze up if its bumped, she said.

"We love it, especially when it works right," Endermann said.

Fifth Ward Junior High School principal James Smith said the board has helped shy students take a more active role in class. His school has seven boards, and has ordered nine more.

"They feel like they're working with their Xbox or something like that," he said of students.

The board had students engaged in first-grade teacher Amy Savarese's class as well, where her Promethean board had a picture of a pumpkin surrounded by six bubbles. Students then used the pen to write descriptions of the pumpkin in each bubble.

In another lesson, the board showed pictures representing different stages in the life of a pumpkin. The students used the pen to put the pictures in order, starting with an image of a pumpkin seed. Her students love the board, Savarese said.

Chastity Blackburn, 7, said she likes doing "math stuff" on the boards.

"They're, like, so much fun," she said.