Teachers Impacted: Amy Thornton & Alexander Estes
Grade Levels Impacted: 6th,7th,8th
Students Impacted: 300+
Description: This grant will support authentic learning experiences in FISD by equipping theatre arts students with an iPad that bridges creativity, technology, and real-world production skills. With the iPad, students can operate stage lighting and sound systems remotely in the auditorium, mirroring the tools and workflows used by professional technicians. This hands-on experience allows students to take ownership of technical elements during rehearsals and performances while teachers can monitor, guide, and adjust settings more efficiently, creating safer and more productive learning environments. Beyond technical theatre, the iPad also enhances classroom instruction by allowing students to record, review, and reflect on their performances. Watching their own work helps them identify strengths and areas for improvement, deepening their understanding of character development, stage presence, and collaboration. The iPad's portability and versatility make it an essential tool for instruction, feedback, and creativity-supporting authentic, student-driven learning experiences that prepare learners for future academic and artistic success.