SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — New technology is coming to an area school district thanks to a generous donation. 28/22 News reporter Connor Coar explains how it will benefit teachers and students.
The Scranton Rotary Club donated translator pens to the Scranton School District on Tuesday, which will close the language barrier for students in the district.
Over 150 translator pens are set to become district-wide tools for teachers and students to use in their classrooms.
One pen costs $195, according to the president of the Scranton Rotary Club. The Rotary petitioned Rotary International for the grant.
Pens are expected to be handed out to English language teachers in the schools.
There are over 40 spoken languages in the Scranton High School, according to Principal John Coyle.
These new devices have over 50 languages programmed into their software.
The Rotary tells 28/22 News that the new pens are designed to close the gap between teachers and students.
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"The language barrier can make that learning curve grow; it can increase it. This significantly reduces it. Obviously, there is still a way to go. This gives the child confidence number one to be in that position, saying I'm not far behind as I thought," explained Ty Holmes, President of The Scranton Rotary Club.
This new technology not only closes the language gap, but also closes the gap on learning disabilities like dyslexia, to give an example.
Coyle says he was shocked that a device resembling a television remote has so many different capabilities inside.
"I've never seen anything like this before, but technology is always evolving. Our students love and embrace technology. I think they will really enjoy using these," Coyle expressed.
"I think it'd be a great opportunity for everyone to try to use it and try to pick up a new and different language," Coyle added.
Holmes' wife has been a teacher for almost three decades and currently teaches kindergarten. Through his wife, Holmes has seen the success of the pens.
"Because we have the best teachers. We have this phenomenal team of central administrators. It makes it seem very seamless, but this is going to lighten the workload. So being able to give this to them will be huge," Holmes stated.
It is safe to say that the school district, the Rotary, and every person using these pens will benefit from the donation.
