Immaculate Heart of Mary School would use the grant money awarded through the BGE Wires Down Video Challenge for a technology school enrichment project. IHM is in the process of a technology refresh program here at our school. We would use this award to provide Chromebooks in our intermediate and primary grade levels. In addition, charging racks, charging timers, Chromecasts, LG TVs, and interactive whiteboards would also be purchased with this award. This would enable the classroom environment to be interactive and engaging, and provide the teachers with reliable technology for effective lessons.

IHM serves a diverse population of students in the Parkville/Towson area. To ensure the school is achieving its mission of dedication to excellence in Catholic education, inspiring greatness in teaching and learning within the heart of the school community, the school must remain capable of reaching every student. To accomplish this, finding new ways to differentiate instruction, provide meaningful collaboration, and work with the latest and best resources available is of utmost importance, and tantamount to success in the classroom. This is the main focus of our school enrichment project.

IHM upgraded its technological infrastructure so it now has the capability to provide devices that enable the students to connect to the broader digital community. Interactive whiteboards in primary grade levels will allow for “virtual field trips” and opportunities to connect to other classrooms around the globe. Chromebooks in each child’s hands will allow for tailored independent work and assessments for each student. Teachers can also use this technology to reach students with various learning styles. They will be able to find online resources that can best help students learn. This will enable students to feel more engaged and interested in their education, creating children who grow into lifelong learners. With the Chromebooks, LGTVs, and Chromecast technology, teachers can set up classrooms for whole and small group learning, as well as, independent work. Having both teachers and students use Chromebooks and GSuite together will allow for greater collaboration, from student to student, student to teacher, and teacher to teacher. This learning community can be extended beyond the school’s four walls and enable virtual learning opportunities with schools throughout the world, thus allowing student participation in the global community. This will prepare students not only for further education, but for how today’s community and society now function in the digital world.

Our school enrichment project will focus on technology integration in content areas to enhance student’s learning. The school’s goal is to have students succeed and staff operate efficiently in a technology-based community. This grant will enable Immaculate Heart of Mary to put the tools in place for its students to thrive as global citizens.