Makerspaces
Newington Public Schools Outfits Bus as Mobile Tech Lab
Newington Public Schools (NPS) has outfitted a bus to turn it into a mobile technology lab ready to host lessons in basic computing applications, robotics and 3D printing.
Part of a project led by John Salerno, director of educational technology for the district, the bus will travel around the area offering workshops, tech demonstrations and trainings led by student "techsperts."
Technologies and experiences that will be made available through the bus include:
- Laptops and tablets;
- Training for G Suite for Education;
- Google Expeditions;
- Displays and audio from SMART Technologies;
- Coding and programming;
- Robotics;
- 3D Printing;
- Collaboration stations;
- Makerspaces;
- Media production; and
- Breakout EDUs.
"When we put technology in the hands of our Techsperts, great things happen," said Salerno in a prepared statement. "With the Smart Bus, students in the program will be able to facilitate learning with their peers, younger students and in the community and surrounding areas. The technology and SMART Boards, donated by SMART Technologies, will allow our Techsperts and student instructors to offer lessons and lead trainings from right inside of the mobile technology lab, the SMART Bus."
"Teachers leverage the power of SMART Technologies to educate children in classrooms," said Jeff Lowe, vice president of marketing at SMART Technologies, in a news release. We're proud to partner with NPS to take innovative technology on the road, making its powerful benefits available to all."
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].