Stephanie Walker is no stranger to literacy, technology, or the Maercker community. With a Master’s degree in Library Science, she started her career as a librarian for a K-8 district and has spent 15 years in District 60, first at Holmes Primary School, and then serving both Holmes and Maercker Intermediate School, and is now in her third year as Media Technology Specialist at Maercker.
She spends her days co-teaching, going into classrooms to support different units, meeting with teachers, and finding ways to make learning as engaging and exciting for students as possible. While nurturing a love of reading will always be an important part of her role, she has embraced how the use of technology can bring an extra element to learning, especially for elementary students, and aims to empower other teachers to embrace technology as a tool.
“The goal is to find ways to merge and use technology with the curriculum throughout the year to make the subject matter more meaningful,” said Walker. “We think a lot about how we can make it fun, but also integrate skills that students will need for their future, like research, using different software or programs, and being good digital citizens.”
Class projects can cover a wide range of subject matter and methods. Third-graders were learning about weather and instead of just writing about the facts they learned, they used Flipgrid to record their own weather report using the green screen, putting themselves in the middle of different types of weather and sharing details like a meteorologist would.
Students also elevated their learning in an English Language Arts lesson on animals. Instead of just writing a paragraph about their animal, they worked with a partner to do research and created books modeled after the popular “Who Would Win?” series using Google Slides, Book Creator, or even creating a physical book.
“We want to differentiate the methods with these projects and really let the students shine,” said Walker. “The goal is to use technology to create instead of just consume, and it has really helped those kids who embrace these methods to step up even more. Kids can help each other and show others how to use tools and really get excited!”
In collaboration with Media Technology Specialists at Holmes and Westview Hills, as well as getting ideas from conferences and network forums, new programs and options continue to be explored and introduced. Through co-teaching alongside STEM teacher Jennifer Fliss, a new project is taking advantage of the school’s 3D printer. Students have already designed and printed snowflakes, but they will eventually be designing their own city and bringing it to life.
Fifth graders in Advanced Math also got to use 3D printing to design their own monument for NASA Mathematician and Engineer Mary Jackson. They designed the base using principles of geometry and then calculated the cost of the monument before creating it. Projects like this one allow students to take the concepts they are learning and put them into action while experimenting in different problem-solving methods.
“There are big changes in students from third grade to fifth grade,” said Walker. "I learned early on that students can handle a little independence and want to take on more critical thinking. I try to scaffold and support their learning and let them know that the struggle is okay and that those challenges mean they are learning."
Walker says she feels like the grandparent of the school, who gets time with the students to do the “fun” things, but she knows it’s bigger than that. She began a program with students where they can turn in their Wildcat Paw Prizes earned during the school year for a photo of themselves with a friend into different backgrounds using the green screen. Students have loved being able to get a photo of themselves in the world of Harry Potter or other backgrounds of their choosing.
The photos are just one way that students are able to place themselves directly into their subject matter or interests through technology. Reports on national monuments instead become opportunities to learn valuable research skills, create replicas using clay, and take a photo and use a green screen to make their creation the same size as the real monument.
“Technology is not disappearing, so let’s make sure we can help students know how to use it in a meaningful way,” said Walker. “I love what I do and want to continue to grow our makerspace and grow this program to make students excited about learning. If kids are reading, I am happy!”