STEM

Texas District Adopts Platform To Bring STEAM Pros to the Classroom

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 03/01/16

The Manor Independent School District has adopted a technology platform designed to bring industry into the classroom.

Thanks to a grant from Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Manor ISD piloted Nepris in a limited number of schools last year.

Nepris allows teachers to request a virtual session with an expert, researcher, professional or other industry representative in an effort to bring classroom concepts to life, evaluate student work or mentor students on particular projects.

Teachers at Manor ISD "overwhelmingly commended Nepris for how it opened doors and brought exciting live conversations and virtual tours of faraway workspaces to their students," according to a news release. "With the positive feedback, Samsung decided to extend the sponsorship for an additional three years. Now every teacher at Manor has the ability to invite thousands of professionals into their classroom for online interactive sessions."

"Our students are able to experience the world outside Manor ISD," said Angela Matthews, chief technology officer of Manor ISD, in a prepared statement. "The real world is brought directly to them. The students, whether in first grade or seniors in high school, are able to see the connection of what they learn in the classroom to real world experiences. Having professionals interact directly with the students makes the curriculum come to life."