Innovative Learning Grants Fund Tools for Distance Learning
In 2015, the MVLA High School Foundation began the Innovative Learning Grant program to foster innovation in the classroom. Each year, $100,000 is provided for teachers grants up to $5,000 each so that they can do something above and beyond the standard curriculum.
Grants are awarded based on a clear set of rubrics on how the project impacts student learning and its scaling potential. Projects should:
- enhance the students’ depth of knowledge
- address real-world problems and interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving
- spark interest and passion for learning while making it relevant to the individual student
- have the potential to be incorporated into the curriculum and/or to be used by other teachers
There are two rounds of applications annually, and this year because of the pandemic, the focus will be on projects that have a distance learning component. All of the projects selected not only enhance learning in the traditional classroom but also create a more engaging and relevant virtual learning experience.
In round one, some of the projects that were approved included:
- Google Cardboard Virtual Reality (VR) Viewers - Lauren Camarillo, MVHS Spanish
The viewers are used by students to “visit” the countries they are studying and tour the streets, monuments, museums and restaurants instead of just reading about them. Each student will have their own viewer to use at home and at school. Students will also be collaborating with English Language Learners to build community while learning about other cultures.
- Subscription to PLAT4M digital athletic training software - Tami Kittle and Kiernan Raffo, MVHS and LAHS PE
The online strengthening and conditioning program provide video content showing the proper technique for a wide range of exercises and sports. By leveraging the program’s capacity to record students’ individual goals and progress, teachers can provide individual feedback to students. This is a program improvement which will benefit students during distance learning as well as in the traditional classroom.
- Individual DNA analysis/electrophoresis equipment for at-home check-out - Lisa Cardellini, LAHS Biology
Not only can students check the equipment out for home, it can be used in the traditional classroom in the future. The students will debate real world DNA ethical issues in class and these tools will be used to solve DNA “mystery” scenarios created by the teachers such as how DNA could be used in a court of law.
- Grant to connect students with a variety of artists for lectures, Q&A, and studio tours via Zoom - Lori Nock, MVHS Art
This replaces field trips that would have happened during the normal school year. The upside is the students will have exposure to a greater number of artists with the virtual field trips.
- Personal robotics kits - Karen Davis, LAHS STEM
These kits will be used to check out to students during distance learning and in the classroom when the students return.
- Video recording equipment - Betty Yamasaki, LAHS Math
Algebra II course team will be creating a series of real-world algebra problems and creating a video library to share across the district. For example, five teachers will film a competition on paper airplane throwing but will have different variables. Students will collaborate with their peers and look for clues to determine which teacher won. This video library will be used during distance learning and in the future.
- Portable microphones to record students singing - Jill Denny, MVHS Choir
The students’ individual voices are combined using special software to create their annual performances including holiday performances and performances for the local community. These microphones support students with distance learning and will be able to be used in and out of the classroom in the future.
Applications for Phase 2 of the Innovative Learning Grant cycle are due September 30 – and we can’t wait to see what creative things our teachers think up next!
