Education Technology Day

Every September, schools across the country celebrate Education Technology Day. It's a time to recognize the role digital tools play in the classroom, while highlighting the programs educators use to enhance their lessons. Teachers in Collierville Schools embrace technology in their classrooms and consistently develop innovative ways to incorporate it into their lesson plans year after year. Keep reading to learn about four technology-related CEF grants given during the 2024-2025 grant cycle!

Esports team

Esports is the competitive, organized playing of online games. The popularity of esports is growing rapidly, prompting schools to embrace the concept and create school-sponsored esports teams. In fact, Collierville High School is becoming a leader in the state for developing esports programs. When you think of esports, you may think of kids casually playing video games. However, it’s much more than that. Esports programs have been statistically shown to improve school attendance, graduation rates and social-emotional learning.

With help from a CEF grant, Collierville High School received secure desktop gaming computer equipment to develop a properly outfitted esports lab on campus. The goal is to create an esports lab where students can form teams, practice together and compete in scholastic tournaments with other schools across the state and nation.

Broadcasting

Broadcasting in schools gives students real-life experience producing, writing and anchoring live media. It creates an opportunity to develop professional soft skills like teamwork, communication and time management. The Collierville High School student-led DragonMedia department produces all of the school's content. To support their ambitious work, we funded updates, including new camera equipment that’s vital to providing students with modern, industry-standard skills. Advanced cameras enhance the students’ hands-on learning, prepare them for future careers or college, and allow them to produce high-quality projects for competitions and school events.

Merge Cubes

Two years ago, West Collierville Middle School received Merge Cubes as a part of a CEF grant. Merge Cubes are an augmented reality learning tool that allows students to interact with the digital world. Students can hold 3D objects in their hands and view the simulation on their tablets. 

Last year, WCMS expanded on the Merge Cubes grant to provide access for all students. The schoolwide subscription lasts for 12 months, and all students are able to access them. With the cubes, teachers are strengthening science and STEM education for their students. They have noticed the immersive learning environments significantly boost comprehension and retention of complex concepts. In the previous year, the school saw growth in science proficiency across all grades, thanks to hands-on learning with Merge EDU. 

If you would like to contribute to our grant fund, which supports grant requests like these, visit our website.