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Technology
Students learn new technology at Queen Creek schools
QCUSD
Queen Creek Unified School District provides students with opportunities to learn and develop technological skills.
Posted
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology has become an essential tool in all fields, including education.
Queen Creek Unified School District provides students with opportunities to learn and develop their skills while incorporating the latest technology, according to a press release.
Several QCUSD elementary schools have access to a class program known as Smart Lab. This “special,” as it is called, provides students with interactive learning programs and digital resources that correlate with lessons being taught in each classroom.
“I work hand-in-hand with the teachers and discuss what standards are being taught in the classroom,” stated Shanon Lines, Smart Lab facilitator at Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary, in the release. “From there, we decide which kits or programs can be used to help students learn more about that specific topic.”
Some Smart Lab projects include 3D printing programs, working with different types of robots and learning to play the piano on a banana as part of a lesson in circuits and electricity.
“It allows them to play while gaining knowledge,” Lines stated. “We give them time to explore, apply what they learn and then we come together and reflect on what we learned as a class.”
Technological learning experiences don’t stop after elementary school. Students can enroll in various Career and Technical Education classes that incorporate technology skill sets.
Some CTE classes include digital photography, graphic design, robotics, bioscience, computer maintenance, and software and app design, the release stated.
Businesses that partner with QCUSD have also helped donate new technology supplies to support students. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, recently donated $51,000 to QCUSD to further STEM education for primary and secondary students.
“STEM education gives so many skills,” stated Meta Community Development Manager David Williams in the release. “It teaches creativity and thoughtfulness, teamwork, collaboration and thinking outside the box. If we can help invest in those types of skills for students, we’re all going to be winners in the end.”
