Jackson Prince, sports editor
In order for Beverly to improve its technological prowess in this ever-evolving world, English teacher Dr. Steven Rubenstein is putting together a “club of sorts” for students and teachers to boost their skills in this area.
“The idea is to have a body of students who can improve their technological knowledge and who can be assigned to a certain of number of teachers to help teachers become better with their own [technology],” Rubenstein said.
The club, though consisting of only students, will have a “double-purpose” of being beneficial to both Normans and staff members.
“Lots of teachers need lots of additional help with technology,” he said. “They’re interested in doing new things with technology but are afraid that things could go wrong.”
Rubenstein’s club hopes to play matchmaker with students and teachers, pairing “tech-savvy students,” of which there are “a lot,” with teachers “who really feel insecure about their tech-knowledge.”
“Having student aids for [teachers] will be a great way for them to feel like they’ve got this covered,” he said.
Even with the departure of several veteran teachers, Rubenstein believes that the computer crusaders will fill a niche at the school.
“Some veteran teachers are great with technology and some of the younger teachers aren’t quite at the level at which they’d like to be,” he said. “There’s robotics and computational science, but there’s no club for this kind of thing.”
The tech-club will begin as simply a club, working to widen its breadth of knowledge, as well as helping teachers in a non-formal manner. As the club grows, Rubenstein plans to also find “internship possibilities” related to technology for students, along with providing a “hands-on experience of working with teachers in a possible TA role.”
“There’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn here,” he said. “In all aspects of life, we can adapt to solve the problem. I think that this club will solve a problem [at Beverly].”
Some, such as science teacher Emily Smith, see flaws in the current technology at Beverly as well.
“While I think there could be something fabulous [with this club], I believe there is an equal need for new computers and better equipment in the classrooms,” she said.
The tech-club, which is set to begin next fall, lacks a name, and Rubenstein wants the “students to pick a really cool name.”
“We had an organizational meeting with pizza, where we started the process of figuring out officers and other details,” he said.
For further inquiry, contact Rubenstein at [email protected].