Thursday, February 22, 2018 was digital learning day across the United States.  Though this is a special day designated each year to highlight how technology is transforming education, you could argue that the efforts of Kingsport City Schools students and educators make every day “Digital Learning Day” across KCS.  The environment in KCS classrooms is truly cutting edge, with student having access to a worldwide web of information and educational experiences.

This week, the Saturday Six takes a look at how technology is changing the face of education in Kingsport.

1. The KCS STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Vision reflects the guiding philosophy that charts the path for all such work across the district.  Based on research and best practices, the vision incorporates a wide range of activities and initiatives to support this academic focus.  It’s purpose is to reach every child and to provide opportunities for students who exhibit an interest or aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics.
2. For the past two years, all KCS elementary students have had the opportunity to learn how to code.  This experience helps students develop deep problem solving skills while building foundational computer programming experience.  If you want to learn more, check out this recent We Are KCS video blog that highlights this engaging activity.
3. If you aren’t already familiar with the term “MATE,” you are likely to learn much more about it in the coming weeks and months.  Marine Advanced Technology Education is quickly becoming an integral part of KCS STREAM education, as students are actively working to design and build underwater robots.  In fact, through a partnership with Streamworks, Kingsport will host it’s first MATE competition in April.  Make plans now to attend the Tennessee Regional Underwater Robotics Competition at the Kingsport Aquatic Center on April 28, 2018.
4. Don’t be fooled… “LEGO League” is not about building cool structures with interlocking bricks.  KCS elementary and middle school students are building robots that perform tasks and complete challenges, even competing in Kingsport’s first LEGO competition back in December.  This exciting hands-on approach builds a fundamental knowledge base related to technology and robotics, helping prepare students for…
5. The high school Project Lead the Way class works with a wide range of community partners to design, engineer, fabricate, build, and program a FIRST Robotics competition robot.  The D-B “Cyber Tribe” team uses these skills as they compete with other schools across the state and southeast.  The Cyber Tribe has been ranked as high as #2 in the state of Tennessee and has quickly become know as a creative force across the region.  Want to learn more?  Check out dbcybertribe.com.
6. On a day-to-day basis, no technology has changed the educational environment more than the KCS 1-to-1 (1:1) program.  This vision has provided a technology device to all KCS 4th through 12th graders.  Shortly, all students will be utilizing chromebooks for this purpose, giving them a reliable and cost-efficient option to access information both at school and at home.  It has been a game-changer for KCS students in the way they access information and go about learning academic content.

Today’s children are preparing for jobs and careers that have yet to be invented.  What will the future hold?  No one knows for sure, but through the use of technology, the future for KCS students is boundless!

Next week in the Saturday Six:  Another big educational day is on the horizon, as Friday March 2 is Read Across America Day!  Next week, we’ll explore all-things literacy throughout KCS.