ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
In Austin ISD elementary students use technology as a tool to promote and extend learning on a daily basis.
Our approach is to provide teachers with the skills and tools they need to integrate technology into the core curriculum.
Tech Apps IPGs-Contains curriculum-related technology projects for each grade level.
AISD Digital Classrooms
Robbie Polan
Jenny Pencis (left) and Robbie Polan "I am pleased to announce that Oak Hill Elementary has received a grant of $5160 from Synopsys, Inc.," Robbie Polan wrote to her Kindergarten parents in January 2010. Jenny Pencis, mother of Nate, in Mrs. Polan’s class, had alerted her about the grant. "The application process is not too difficult," says Mrs. Pencis. "This year, two out of the three applications were awarded." In Austin, Synopsys annually grants money to teachers whose application focuses on technology, engineering or science, except robotics. In addition, the company usually supports the Texas Science Fair with an annual $10,000 grant. Interested teachers should send an email to Liz Rush, liz.rush@synopsys.com, to be included in the application requests (this year it will be in the fall). Proposals are sent to the Synopsys corporate office in California for criteria qualification. Qualified grants are evaluated by the local Austin office for monies to be awarded.
With the grant money, four Proscope digital microscopes and dedicated Macbook computers will be bought for Kindergarten classrooms at Oak Hill. Mrs. Polan is a great believer of using technology in instruction. She is part of the Technoscientist learning community in AISD. "All kids should have access to the same technology" says Mrs. Polan.
Robert Chavez
Robert (Rain) Chavez is an avid user of technology in his classroom and has a passion for students and film. He has been integrating film into his curriculum with his students for the last several years. His short films God's Laugh and The Letter, both student/teacher collaborations, have been highlighted at various conferences and technology workshops.
"Every child has a story to tell, and through developing and sharing these stories, students discover how alike they truly are", he says.
Rain is currently a second grade bilingual teacher at Harris Elementary and a committee member of the Austin Student Digital Film Festival. He is also featured in an IT Intel Video.
He and his students will be participating in an iPod initiative for bilingual students during the 2008-2009 school year.
© AISD, 2010 /