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TI² is happy to announce the launch of the new innovative equipment website – www.aisd.net/innovativetech. This new website better showcases the TI² inventory and provides new resources like getting-started guides and filters for enhanced searching. Additional resources for the various pieces of equipment will be added throughout the year and will include lessons, curriculum integrations and more.

The equipment is being checked out more this year than ever before, and it is exciting to hear about the learning and engagement that is happening at campuses across the district as students are being introduced to coding and programming. There is equipment available for checking out one month at a time for all grade levels; please see below for quotes from some of the campus staff who checked out items earlier this school year.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

 

“Students were so excited every day to use the Beebots and couldn’t wait to have their turn to code. It was fun learning with them and celebrating their success at coding.”
– Brittany Lee, teacher at Butler Elementary “

 

 

 

I loved that no matter the coding experience there was something for every grade level. The ability to try out the newest technology before committing to possibly purchasing it for our campus. Now I know what piqued their interest and I can further research how to use that to guide other lessons.”
– Wafa Ihweil, librarian at Ashworth Elementary

 

 

“I found the students’ excitement to learn more very exciting. Students wanted to go further and challenge themselves.”
– Jacquetta Etheridge, librarian at McNutt Elementary

 

 

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

“They loved it! They picked up the coding with the BeeBots very quickly and it helped them learn and review their alphabet.”
– Brittany Lee, teacher at Butler Elementary

 “They loved it. To quote one student, Now I have to add this to my Christmas list!”
– Wafa Ihweil, librarian at Ashworth Elementary

EASE OF USE

“The equipment was organized in a way that made it very easy to plug and play. Even if I wasn’t familiar I would not let it deter me from using it with my students.”
– Wafa Ihweil, librarian at Ashworth Elementary

“I was really amazed how easy it was to use the equipment, even if you were a beginner.”
– Bernita Robinson, testing facilitator at Arlington Collegiate High School

 

 

 

 

“It was very easy to familiarize myself with the equipment. The Sphero app had tutorials for the Bolt which helped the students as well.”
– Gerald Johnson, gifted and talented teacher at Burgin Elementary

 

 

There are still a few months left in this school year to check out some of the innovative equipment. Please look and see what innovative equipment is available for checking out and using with your students. Don’t wait too long, though, the calendar is booking up quickly because most of the teachers who checked out for one month say they plan to or already have checked them out again, including Hollie Walters, music teacher and tech club sponsor at Anderson Elementary.

Students who exercise computational thinking and innovative design processes develop innovative problem-solving skills and build resilience. Whether you teach the youngest at an elementary campus or the oldest at a high school campus, there is innovative equipment available for you to use with your students!