Standards and tech tools transform student learning at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School

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Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School students regularly work with contemporary tech tools.

SALT LAKE CITY — Soon after the release of the K-8 curriculum for Utah Catholic Schools based on the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School administrators and faculty began to implement it top to bottom.

ISTE-based instruction means creating “solutions and connections that improve opportunities for all learners by delivering practical guidance, evidence-based career learning” built on a framework of contemporary, internationally followed technology learning standards that prepare learners to “thrive in school, work and life,” according to the curriculum.

Reaching those objectives at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School is still on course after six years of accomplishment that have essentially amplified the intent of the original Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics (STEAM) method of teaching and learning.

ISTE standards set aside the traditional teacher-student relationship and transforms instructors into “facilitator co-learners” with the student. Technology learning is expanded into all classrooms and incorporated into all subject areas. It prepares the learner in a self-directed, collaborative, realistic process modeled on industry. It builds year upon year, endowing self-confidence and tools to transform students into professionals in whatever field of endeavor they may choose.

 “ISTE standards and the introduction of electronic microcontroller hardware has transformed the way Lourdes students learn technology subjects; it is no longer boring or an intimidating mystery. … The students now see it as an exciting, interesting and creative field of study,” said Tonni Trujillo, one of the school’s technology facilitators.

ISTE implementation at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School works with contemporary tech tools. For example, students in first through fifth grades manipulate, experiment and create systems with littleBits™ electronic components, while middle schoolers experience basics of electronics and may simultaneously learn programming in Python, C and JavaScript, and by testing, prototyping, DIY through BBC micro:bit™ and Arduino™ microcontroller-based realistic projects.

Sixth-grader Emmit describes it: “…micro:bits are helpful and great for learners of programming...”

And Gabe, in seventh-grade, says, “…we are given challenging tasks and micro:bits teaches us the basic of coding to understand the topic further.”

Collaborating with Judge Memorial Catholic High School this past fall enabled Our Lady of Lourdes to expand its ISTE standards application by establishing a weekly extra-curricular roveBotics Club. Established in tandem with the opening of Our Lady of Lourdes Middle School Academy, the club is meant to interest and prepare learners for JMCHS’ Computer Science Department Robotics Club.

“roveBotics is so inspirational, I enjoy the quality time we spent,” said Aiden, a sixth-grade student.

One roveBotics member, Scarlett, has been accepted to JMCHS’ Bulldogs AP Robotics Club for her freshman year. The first Lourdes graduate to join, Scarlett represents the spirit of school cooperation and investment yield in the effectiveness of ISTE/STEAM based learning outcomes for students.

“Rovebotics class and club have fueled my love for coding,” Scarlett said. “I am so grateful that I was able to participate. … Our Lady of Lourdes has propelled me into the AP Robotics at Judge. Thank you, Lourdes!”

Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School