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Follow on Google News |  Okaloosa District Schools win over $21,000 in grant awards from the CenturyLink Foundation“We were excited to see the innovation and creativity in this year’s grant applications,” Across the country, more than 1,000 grant applications were received. In Florida, 96 teachers applied through their school district-wide education foundation, with 25 winning schools selected by a review committee comprised of community members and a CenturyLink representative. The winning teachers’ schools received grants to be used to purchase technology to benefit students in the classroom: Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach was awarded $2,033.51 for Instant Outcomes: Efficient Formative Assessment through Technology, submitted by teacher David Dodson. In advanced and rigorous classes, students thrive when formative assessment immediately follows their initial work. At the same time, the rigor of these classes makes it challenging to provide feedback in a rapid fashion. Classroom Response Systems offer an unparalleled opportunity to provide students with immediate feedback following formative assessment. This formative assessment directly follows instruction of the material. Two models of formative assessment will be used. In the first place, daily quizzes will be given regarding daily reading assignments.Secondly, implementation of the CRS will allow "instant response" polls in classroom instruction. This faculty will allow the teacher to instantly assess student understanding regarding a specific topic, as well as ensuring continuing student engagement and reflection during classroom instruction. Davidson Middle School in Crestview was awarded $5,000 for Data Driven Science, submitted by Kathy Morris, to purchase ResponseCard NX devices. ResponseCard NX is a hands-on technology system in the form of a classroom set of individual touchpads, a receiver, and computer software. This technology allows students to discretely respond to questions and topics in a variety of ways, in different classroom settings. The handheld input device will eliminate that fear students have of saying the wrong answer out loud in front of classmates and become an integral part of improving student comprehension and progress in the classroom. This student ResponseCard technology could be a catalyst in student data collection and analysis in science and improve engagement in STEM lab activities. Elliott Point Elementary School in Fort Walton Beach was awarded $4,969.26 for the Digital Current Events projectsubmitted by teacher Denise Richardson. Children love reading magazines-especially if they have their own issue and are using the latest and greatest technology. iPads and magazines will be used in a second grade classroom and ensure that students are able to work effectively during small groups as well as teacher and student demonstrations. The items ordered will ensure active learning in a productive environment. The use of these high interest magazines and their technological features with the iPads will allow students to meet the measurable objectives that align with new Florida Standards. Putting iPads in the hands of children today, will better prepare them for tomorrow’s careers. Okaloosa STEMM Academy in Valparaiso was awarded $4,990 for the project STEM: 3D Printing and Engineering Design, submitted by teacher Sarah Wilson. Using Pitsco’s 3-D Printing: Explorations in Innovation/Vehicle Engineering Package will enable students to create prototype components and other parts, which is rapidly becoming a normal part of the engineering process. Students will design components of battery powered vehicles through design software on their laptops. They will then have their prototypes and parts printed using the ABS Filament 3D Printer that comes with the package. Using this equipment will expose students to the engineering process as well as the 3D Printing process that is becoming very popular in prototyping. Students at the STEMM Academy will take the course as a Research Elective, but it will cover 3D Design and Printing for one semester. Through Innovation and Vehicle Engineering, students will be able to design and build their own battery powered car. From sketch, to prototype, to actually building and running the vehicle for testing, students will work their way through the engineering design process. · Wright Elementary School in Fort Walton Beach was awarded $5,000 for Technology Implementation in the Primary Classrooms, submitted by teacher Shannon DeBerry. Primary students are required to take a reading and math assessment on the computer. Many of our younger students have never had access to a computer. Frustration occurs when students must navigate and utilize technology in a testing situation. The school district has provided our school with a site license to MobyMax. This program allows students to practice mathematical and English language arts skills using a touchscreen format. The program is based on the same premises of the district mandated assessments on which the children are required to show mastery.Students will use these tablets in learning stations throughout the school day. Teachers will be trained before tablets are dispersed in the areas of best practices in classroom utilization of the MobyMax tablets. About the CenturyLink Foundation CenturyLink’ End
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