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State Representative Gene Pelowski Jr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8637
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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LINK BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DISCUSSED AT HOUSE HEARING
Winona Students Testify About Impact of Technology in Model Legislature Experience
St. Paul – The role of technology in the classroom and its ability to promote civic engagement amongst high school and college students was the focus of a House Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee Hearing today in St. Paul. At the hearing, participants of the Minnesota Model Legislature, which was hosted by Winona State University last December, testified about how new technologies greatly enhanced their learning experience in the program.
"When students have access to newer technologies, like laptop computers, their ability to stay engaged increases dramatically," said Rep. Gene Pelowski, Chair of House Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee. "The testimony we heard today reinforces our need to utilize technology more effectively in all classrooms, grades K through 12 and beyond."
Dr. Sally Standiford, Dean, College of Education, Winona State University, testified at the hearing about the partnership between the University and area high schools that facilitates the use of laptop computers for students participating in the model legislature program. Wenonah Echelard, a senior at Winona High School and Governor of the 2007 Model legislature, said the use of laptops and other technologies was invaluable.
Adam Gelle and Lori Mjoen, both technology specialists at Winona State University, testified about the use of new technology in creating a 500-page bill book that was used by the model legislature. The document had previously taken weeks to compile and was only available in print form. The new process allowed students and faculty to interact on-line directly with program, creating much greater efficiency and ease for the students and faculty.
"Students benefit greatly from the partnership between the universities and high school," said Pelowski. "The technology and resources they are using is improving their learning experience and at the same time increasing the likelihood that they will stay engaged."
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who participated in the Model Legislature program in Winona last December, also testified at the hearing. Citing the ability for the Model Legislature to engage students, Ritchie said he would work to promote participation in similar programs elsewhere in Minnesota.
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