With the touch of their fingertips, Dallas ISD’s young learners will soon embark on virtual journeys through the jungle, dive into the depths of the sea, and voyage through outer space.
On Saturday, April 27, students from pre-K through second grade, their parents, and teachers are invited to the fourth annual Digital Palooza, where they will have the opportunity to interact with iPads by going through various creative learning stations.
“The use of digital learning offers numerous benefits that help improve students’ academic growth. It helps make learning accessible and provides personalized learning,” said Sheena Kapadia, an Early Learning coordinator who designs interactive curriculum-aligned activities for students.
Each learning zone at Digital Palooza features iPad activities tailored to its theme. For instance, students will be virtually transported to “Explore in the Jungle” and generate descriptive sentences while observing the unique characteristics of wildlife using the Keynote app. Meanwhile, students in the “Explore the City” zone will roam the streets of Tokyo, Paris, and New York to make real-world connections while identifying 2D Shapes in their surroundings.
Learning zones will be led by members of the Vanguard cohort, which consists of teachers and instructional specialists who receive personalized coaching and support from Apple Professional Learning.
During her 15-year career, Pauline Hayden, a kindergarten teacher at Dan D. Rogers Elementary School, learned to embrace technology and changes in instruction.
“When I started, I only used paper and pencil. I never thought I could include iMovie or GarageBand to engage students. After I walk them through the activity, they can work independently,” she said. “They have so much fun they forget they are working and learning.”
Cristal Jackson, director of instructional strategy in Early Learning, says Digital Palooza is an opportunity for educators and students to enhance the learning process with advancing technology.
“Many of the apps students engage with help tailor experiences based on their needs and provide a focus on areas needed for growth. Digital learning also helps build personal skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.”
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Date: April 27
Place: Emmett J. Conrad High School
7502 Fair Oaks Ave, Dallas, TX 75231
*An iPad is not needed to attend, iPads will be provided.
