NEC NEC111409 User guide

Applications at the forefront of technology
Cesar Chavez High School is the newest addition to the diverse, dynamic and
growing Phoenix Union High School District. Through the integration of people,
technology and business systems, a collaborative learning environment was created
so graduates will meet the challenges of the future as enthusiastic, life-long learners
and thinkers who are prepared to participate fully as responsible, contributing
members of society. They use the motto of the predominantly lower-income school’s
namesake Cesar Chavez “Si Se Puede,” or “Yes, We Can!”
the challenge
It was clear that the chalkboard-lined classroom of yesteryear had no place in the
new school. The challenge was deciding the best technology for teachers to use to
deliver lessons that inspire and capture students’ attention.
With its students being from the “MTV generation,” most are used to receiving
information through visual, auditory and often interactive mediums. If the school
wanted to stay competitive, it needed to choose flexible technology that adapts with
the changing face of education. The display choice also had to offer students good
viewing angles and the ability to work in the fluorescent light of the classroom.
Students entering the school needed to be prepared for future employment
opportunities as well as higher education. By placing technology at their fingertips,
Cesar Chavez would provide students the tools they need to succeed in today’s
competitive world.
Cesar Chavez High School

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“Since our teachers
started using multiple
strategies to teach
and technology like
NEC’s, our kids are
here because they are
happy to be here.”
the solution
At first, Cesar Chavez considered placing 32-inch CRT televisions in every classroom.
After further discussion, however, administrators realized that the TV arrangement
would have several limitations. That is when they turned to audio/visual integrator
CCS Presentations Systems for help. After meeting with technology educators at
both the school district and Cesar Chavez, they chose a complete video projection
system for each room. Unlike the TV plan, the projection system would allow
teachers to present material from a variety of sources, such as a computer, video or
the Internet. Projectors also would allow all of the students, even those at the back
of the classroom, a good view of the presented material.
NEC’s portable, lightweight projectors made the grade. They were easily ceiling-
mounted into 130 classrooms throughout the high school. They were chosen due to
the NEC projector’s versatility, brightness and affordable cost. Importantly, the NEC
projectors easily overcome the ambient lighting found in classroom environments,
making it simple for students to view the screen even in the harsh light of day.
Once the equipment was installed, the next step was to demonstrate to teachers
how the projectors could become a valuable educational tool. District technology
educators instructed a team of teachers on the projectors during the summer
months. Once these teachers felt comfortable using the projectors and realized their
benefits, they helped train their colleagues when the school year began. As a result,
nearly every teacher, from the science and math departments to the English and
foreign language departments regularly use the projectors to enhance lesson plans.
Best of all, when the projector is on, students are tuned in.
the benefits
According to James McElroy, principal of Cesar Chavez High School, the use of
projection in the classrooms has been a tremendous success. Students get excited to
watch a history video showing a past battle, to see and “experience” the countries
of the foreign language they are learning, and to participate solving a difficult math
equation in front of their classmates.
And there is measurable success. Reading scores have gone up and the student
dropout rate is the lowest in the district.
“Kids come to school if they like school,” Principal McElroy said. “The reason we
most often hear that students don’t like class is that they are bored. Since our
teachers started using multiple strategies to teach and technology like NEC’s, our
kids are here because they are happy to be here.”
NEC 110409