AdvancED® STEM Certification

1.4 STEM Indicator Narrative

Banneker 3DE Magnet students use technology and digital tools for a range of purposes,
including research, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Technology is an
integral part of the student experience schoolwide at BHS and essential to the existence of the
3DE STEM program. Technology is leveraged daily in all STEM classrooms to personalize
learning and facilitate student research, problem-solving, communication and collaboration.
Research has proven that technology integration is a powerful tool that can be used to deepen a
student’s level of engagement in authentic STEM curricula. The range of technology integration
spans from the daily use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Schoology and
OneNote to the use of virtual reality tools to solve problems for business partners within and
outside of our school community. All 3DE classrooms are outfitted with a class set of either
desk-top computers, laptop computers or surface pro tablets, an interactive whiteboard and
document camera.
Strengths for this indicator are evidenced by artifacts highlighting virtual and blended
learning opportunities for students, students engaging with new technology, teachers using
technology to communicate with one another, students, parents and the community.
Technology and equipment for the STEM program was initially funded through our
School Improvement Grant (SIG) awarded to BHS in January of 2017. The initial technology
investment for the STEM program was originally designed to support a manufacturing
innovation lab and two information technology labs. The following items were purchased with
initial funds: Stratasys 3D printer, 33 LeVeno desktop computers, CNC Mill, Ollie app enabled
robots, Raspberry Pi 3 mini computers, 3D tablets, Arduino boards/kits and Technical Training
Aids’ Amatrol modules. Additionally, as part of a Verizon Wireless Innovative Learning STEM
grant, the school also received cutting edge technology and equipment including 360-degree
video cameras, virtual reality (VR) glasses, and augmented reality (AR) software programs such
as HP Reveal and the Roar Application.
One area that needs improvement is the continued professional development of STEM
teachers to efficiently utilize the purchased technology. Simply purchasing the technology has
not created meaningful experiences with technology integration. We are still building the
capacity of some of our teachers, moving them beyond using technology as an assistive resource
to using technology integration in the classroom seamlessly. We will accomplish this through
ongoing professional learning opportunities geared toward technology integration and sharing of
best practices.