Drones for Digital Learning and Art is a project created to get students excited to think about the future and the possible job opportunities that could come from STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
Nash County Public Schools was awarded a grant that allowed for the purchase of 9 drones for our 4th and 5th graders with the help of STEP (Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership). “This grant is another example of how our partnership with STEP enhances the instructional opportunities we can provide for our students,” said Danny Plyler, Director of Instructional Technology and Virtual Learning.
Caroline Aycock, K-12 Instructional Technology Coach and author of the grant proposal, coordinated a professional development activity which included donuts. The first residential drone delivery in the United States included donuts and coffee. Teachers from across the district were present and able to learn and practice with the drones. She states, "We are so fortunate to have STEP as an educational partner here in the twin counties. They fully funded the grant, ‘Drones for Digital Learning and Art’. The Arts are often overlooked when implementing new technology, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to really showcase the "A" in ‘STEAM’.
Nash County Public Schools’ (NCPS) art teachers possess expertise in the North Carolina Essential Standards for Art. This will allow them to incorporate the drones in their classrooms to meet NCPS academic standards and showcase possible careers that students could one day have. Ms. Aycock adds, “I would also like to thank Mr. Gregory Forte', Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Nash Central Middle School (NCMS), for assisting today. His expertise was invaluable to the process, and we know that he will continue to do great things in our district. In addition, this training would not have been possible without the support and help from Danny Plyler, and Donacine Vandelli, K-12 Instructional Technology Coach."