Transform student experience and engagement with learning technologies. Learning technologies can change the student dynamic in and out of the classroom, and anyone can do it!
Two schools in Arizona are excited to share their knowledge and specialized skillset to help more Arizona schools find success with select learning technologies:
Peoria Unified School District and Tucson Unified School District. These districts are demonstrating student accomplishment with:
Esports
Minecraft Education
Robotics
Educators in these districts have extensive, demonstrated experience and will act as mentors to help implement these technologies for other schools.
Technology in the classroom can transform concepts and engagement, benefitting all students! Learning a new technology and introducing it in the classroom can be intimidating, time consuming, and expensive. This initiative can help interested teachers and schools launch learning technologies in the classroom quickly, comprehensively, and effectively.
How learning technologies can benefit students:
Build transferrable skills applicable to high-paying jobs and college
Develop critical thinking skills
Foster relationship building, teamwork
Transform complex subjects and concepts
Engage all students, personalities, and skill levels
Can be used in student IEPs
In this Mentorship Program, learning technologies can be used for any grade level:
K-12 Minecraft Education
Grades 9-12 Esports
Grades 9-12 Robotics
“Minecraft Education is the most inclusive, engaging, multifaceted tool I’ve seen in my 22-year career in Educational Technology!” -Heba Sinclair, Education Technology Integration Specialist, Tucson Unified School District
Description: This is a game-based platform that inspires creative, comprehensive learning through play. Explore blocky worlds that unlock new ways to teach and learn any subject or challenge. Minecraft engages students in instruction in all subjects (math, chemistry, English, science, history, reading, coding – any subject!) in differentiated modalities. Minecraft is even being written into IEPs! Minecraft Education creates an opportunity for a dynamic partnership between teacher and learner and engages all learners, particularly students who are marginalized, underperforming, and not engaged in the classroom. Anyone can teach and learn with Minecraft Education!
Club or class: Class. The Minecraft Education mentor will help guide mentees through implementation in the classroom. Minecraft can be used at any grade level to support and enhance instruction and learning.
Grade Level: K-12. Interested schools/districts should consider launching Minecraft in one or two classes to start.
See the "Files" section below to learn more about the Minecraft Education mentor and eligibility requirements.
“Esports teaches teamwork and communication, builds valuable skills and confidence, and brings out the students who don’t typically get involved on campus.” -Ken Mattern, AP Computer Science & Cybersecurity Instructor, Esports/FBLA/STEM Advisor Peoria Unified School District.
Description: Esports is a subcategory of the gaming industry where teams participate in organized, primarily online, video gaming competitions. Multiple players work together to compete against an opposing team with a shared objective to win a game. Participation in Esports programs has proven to impact students’ self-esteem, focus in class, and overall academic performance.
Grades: High school, 9-12 grade.
Club or class: Club.
See the "Files" section below to learn more about the Esports mentor and eligibility requirements.
“Students are getting real-world, hands-on experience with complex projects giving them transferrable skills in so many areas.” -Adam Shroyer, Robotics & Automation Instructor, Culinary Arts CTE Teacher, Peoria Unified School District.
Description: A robotics club equips students with the necessary STEM skills to prepare them for future careers in engineering (electrical, mechanical, software), business (communication, media), and automation. Through a robotics program, students engage in complex projects that build their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students also do a lot of work that gives them transferrable skills, such as public speaking, articulating to judges the journey and impact of the team, and documentation.
Grade Level: High school, 9-12 grade.
Club: Robotics is Club only.
See the "Files" section below to learn more about the Robotics mentor and eligibility requirements.
This mentorship program is open to Arizona K-12 public schools.
Interested schools/teachers need ZERO experience, just a lot of interest and heart to make this a successful and positive experience for students. If you are looking to engage all students, especially students who are not engaged or may be struggling, consider this opportunity!
Success determinants:
Supportive leadership in the district and interest in this program
Club implementation for Robotics and Esports
Class implementation for Minecraft Education
Commitment, dedication to learning and implementing Minecraft Education for student success
Information sessions were available to interested schools in June 2023. Please watch a recorded session to learn more!
