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21st Century Classrooms and Instruction

TSD has long been a leader in technology use and integration and we continue to make great strides forward in engaging the digital generation.  TSD provides a variety of technology resources for staff and students at all educational levels including but not limited to: shared laptop mobile labs (COWs), digital LCD projectors or, interactive displays (ActivPanels) in each classroom, document cameras, video cameras, iPods/iPads/laptops,  student response devices, computer labs with group working spaces for collaborative learning, web tools, a large variety of mobile Apps, and web-based collaboration software, and online curriculum resources.  Over the last 5 years we have increased our use of robotics tools and equipment including 3D printers and interactive robots and have expanded our STEM offerings across all grade levels.

We have been using iPads for about 10 years and have a 1:1 Initiative in high school and middle school. Each of our high school and middle school students are issued an iPad that is available to them in a 24/7 environment. All other instructional areas of our school also have iPads to be used and shared for instructional purposes throughout the school day.  We provide desktop and laptop computers in classrooms for students and teachers across all departments.  This year our High School Seniors will have the option to be assigned a MacBook Air laptop instead of the iPad, if they chose.  The majority of our classrooms are equipped with Promethean Interactive Displays, document cameras, and/or LCD projectors. We have state-of-the-art computer labs for our high school and middle school instructional departments.  Our students and staff have access to a wide variety of online web tools, software and various instructional apps for a variety of subjects and grade levels.  Some of our classrooms are equipped with Student Response Devices (ACTIVotes and ACTIVexpressions) that are used in conjunction with interactive displays (ActivePanels), and are used in a variety of grade levels for formative assessments.  Student iPads are also used to provide quick assessment information for teachers.

We provide specialized alternative communication software, BoardMaker and Proloquo2Go, which are symbol-supported communication Apps to promote language development and increase communication skills to assist our students with significant cognitive difficulties. We have a wide range of other online resources to meet the specific needs of our diverse learners.  Many of our online web tools such as Digital Knowledge Central (Encyclopedia Britannica, World Book Online and EBSCO) are differentiated to meet the needs of a wide range of students.  We also have BrainPop and BrainPop Jr. which provides rich and engaging videos, lessons, and resources on a variety of content areas. We have Reading A-Z, which personalizes reading practice according to each student’s current reading level, Accelerated Reader for comprehension checks and Accelerated Math, which helps differentiate math instruction, addressing each student’s individual needs.  Our teachers and students utilize a variety of web resources and Apps for daily classroom lessons to support curriculum goals.

 

Technology-Related Course Offerings K-12

 

Technology is integrated throughout the various grades and content areas  Students use technology for research, to collaborate with their community, in using a wide variety of Apps and online tools, to create and share presentations, to communicate with friends, family and peers, to take online testing, and for a variety of other applications.

 

Elementary  - Many of our young students come to us as “digital natives”. They are already comfortable with accessing information and creating products in a variety of electronic formats.  In keeping with best practices in the field, most of the technology skills taught our K-5 students are done so in combination with other content area objectives.  In this way, students acquire not only the knowledge of how to utilize new and exciting technology tools, but when to select a particular tool and why it is beneficial.  All 3rd-5th graders have their own iPads, and there are a sufficient number of devices to support students in K-2 as well. Most classrooms are equipped with ACTIVboards or the newer models, ActivPanels; these help promote engagement and interactive learning.

 

TSD implemented Schoology as our Learning Management System beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. Though this was in the works long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the timing of our implementation served as a tremendous asset for virtual and in-person learners alike; Schoology was the platform used to share instructional materials with all students/families from PIP through ACCESS.  In the Elementary Department, we also use Seesaw, a student-friendly digital portfolio that allows learners to demonstrate their learning in both English and ASL.

 

TSD adopted Follet Destiny as our Library Management System. This provides our librarians and educators with a way to curate resources pertaining to different topics, and students are able to peruse educational resources in print and ASL.  Students have access to various apps to support their learning. Our upper elementary students use Google apps that promote communication and collaboration. They also use Keynote to create presentations and demonstrate their learning. Learning is also tailored to individual needs through the use of apps and platforms such as Epic!, BrainPop, ST Math, IXL, Breakout EDU, and more.

 

In addition to instruction in the core content areas and Physical Education, students in Elementary rotate between three Electives courses each year - STEM, ASL, and Art. During the 12-week STEM rotation, some of the main areas of focus include the Engineering Design Process, Lego, coding, robotics, Stop Motion, and 3-D printing.  Throughout the course of their Elementary career, students develop their coding skills using BeeBot, Dot and Dash, Ozobot, Tynker, Sphero, and Kodable.

 

In the ASL elective rotation, students learn a variety of digital tools coupled with different aspects of American Sign Language. Students spend a great deal of time using Keynote and creating and editing in iMovie. They also work extensively with Do Ink, a green screen app that allows them to transport their images and videos into various locations and backgrounds for added creativity.

 

Our 5th graders look forward to the opportunity to share the Elementary News, a weekly video where students highlight different stories and events happening in society and in our school community. Our ASL and STEM teachers support this student-led program.

 

Middle School – Through the study of technology foundations, including related vocabulary, concepts, and types of data input, middle school students learn to make informed decisions about technology applications. Students are taught to acquire information using a variety of search strategies, and to use technology to access, analyze, and evaluate the acquired information. Middle school students learn that technology is a tool that supports the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, and students are required to select the technology most appropriate to the task, synthesize knowledge, create a solution, and evaluate the results. Students communicate information in different formats and to diverse audiences. 

 

The following technology courses are offered in middle school: 

  •           STEM I
  •           STEM II
  •           Technology Applications.

These 3 courses are all offered on a 9-week rotating schedule for 6 and 7 grade students. 

Creative Computing is offered for one semester to all 8 grade students. 

 

 

High School and Career Technical Education – In addition to the technology integration infused across all HS subject areas; we offer a wide selection of computer-related courses for students to choose from as outlined below.

 

ANIMATION 1: Students are expected to develop an understanding of the history and techniques of the animation industry. At the beginning of the course, the students will create animation projects using old traditional techniques and hands-on, along with utilizing iPad apps to create the content. The students will eventually create more current and modern content using various tools and software, including Photoshop, Motion, LiveType, and After Effect.

 

ANIMATION 2: Students are expected to master the technology, techniques, and the 12 principles that are the foundation of animation art. Students will do observational drawings, animation studies, animation projects, and various software tools, including Photoshop, Motion, LiveType, After Effect, Final Cut Pro, and DVD Studio Pro. Students will create a unique collection of work samples.

 

VIDEO PRODUCTION 1: This course provides training for entry-level employment in the television & film industries. Students learn about pre-production, production, and post-production phases and nonlinear editing using Final Cut Pro Studio and Adobe Creative Suite. Assignments include videotaping Newscasts about TSD community events.

 

VIDEO PRODUCTION 2: Students develop advanced understanding and knowledge of the industry, focusing on pre-production, production, and post-production phases and nonlinear editing using Final Cut Pro Studio and Adobe Creative Suite. Assignments include videotaping TSD community events.

 

GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION: This course is a hands-on, lab-based class where students are introduced to various graphic design and illustration applications. Students will study image editing, animation, graphic design, and digital color. Students will also learn about the art of visual communications and advertising through illustration, design, analysis, approach, and technical skills.

 

VISUAL COMMUNICATION 1/2/3 (AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT COURSES) Visual Communication courses are dual credit courses in the graphic design field, collaborating with Austin Community College. Students will be enrolled in two separate dual credit courses throughout the year, earning a total of 6 college credits (Digital Imaging 1, Vector Graphics for Production, or Digital Publishing 1). The credits earned will go towards the Occupational Skills Award (OSA) and higher certifications, including associate degree(s).

 

ENGINEERING DESIGN & 3D PRINTING: Students will build on the knowledge and skills necessary for engineering in the development of 2D and 3D design. Students will learn the fundamental principles in the design process by using multiple Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Students will also explore career opportunities in engineering, technology, and drafting.

 

GAME & APP DESIGN: Students will build on the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of programmer in the development of games and mobile applications. Students will identify task requirements, plan search strategies and use software development concepts to access, analyze and evaluate information needed to create game and application programs. Students will also explore career opportunities in the computer science and programming field.

 

ROBOTICS 1/2/3:  Robotics 1/2/3 is a series of courses with FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) Focus and students will participate in the FTC Robotics competition team, which meets outside school hours in preparation for competitions. Students will develop and master critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and concepts of engineering and technology with emphasis placed on the FIRST Technical Challenge Robotics competition. This course will provide students with opportunities to research, design, develop, build, test, and evaluate solutions to real-life problems focused around the FTC contest. Laser cutter, 3D printer, waterjet cutter, vertical milling machine with DRO, and computer programming will also be included in this course.

 

YEARBOOK: Students will gain knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas: page design, advanced publishing techniques, copywriting, editing and photography while producing a creative & innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. Students gain useful, real-world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles. The students will also use various software tools, including Photoshop, Canvas, InDesign and other appropriate editing & design software.