Drumheller Valley Secondary School’s (DVSS) technology programs received a boost from The Chartered Professional Accountants.
Students at DVSS are benefitting from a $10,000 grant, which has helped outfit their lab with new technology. The Rural High School Grant is funded through the Hesje Knowledge Centre and was established as part of the CPA Education Foundation’s Stepping Up initiative. DVSS was one of two schools to receive the grants.
Science teacher Jasmine Manning is excited to have the grant and since last spring, has been busy outfitting the lab to help students succeed. The technology lab allows students to develop a deep understanding and experience practical applications related to technology. This includes video arts, media arts, computer science, coding and robotics. These courses are offered to students from Grades 7-12.
The lab has since been outfitted with five Hummingbird Classroom robotics kits, Lego Mindstorm robotic kits and other robotic equipment and tools. These allow students to build and program robots. While the school division has similar kits they can procure, Manning says by having kits on-site they are able to spend more time on projects to understand the material better and develop persistence and problem-solving.
They are also outfitted with a new 3D printer, accessories and filament. This will give more student access to the technology and be able to create in a more timely manner.
The grant also supported computer and audio-visual equipment, including tripods, and Gimbal stabilizer units. This will allow the media arts and visual arts classes be able to use their own technology to create footage with camera movements.
Some of the technology they have purchased has made using this equipment more accessible. This includes technology such as an eye-tracking device, a trackpad and a trackball mouse.
Most of the equipment is already in use helping students learn and create.
“The CPA’s Rural High School Grant has allowed us to fulfill one of our biggest goals: increasing access to technology and practical applications opportunities to further develop students,” states its grant status update.
