Show Me TechKnowledge

As our world and society changes, real life and practical skills are being integrated into the classroom.  Now the "what" we teach includes collaboration with others, flexibility, information literacy, and even time management. Part of what Joplin teachers learn in Technology Leadership Academy incorporates lifelong skills such as these in conjunction with Knowledge standards.

Jordan Lofting, seventh grade communication arts teacher at South Middle School, recognizes and  utilizes these 21st Century Learning Skills with her students. As students research critical issues in her class, her objectives are not only that they will recognize how to effectively communicate on paper, but that they will learn to work together, compromise on issues they care deeply about, and determine what influences people. As students complete this research project, they use iMovie software to create a public service announcements that will be showcased on Mrs. Lofting's website.

Mrs. Lofting's website is not the only avenue in which these students have the chance to show their technology skills, however. On January 19th, four students had the opportunity to exhibit their public service announcements at the Third Floor Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. This exhibit was part of Show Me TechKnowledge Day, which provides schools with the opportunity to  demonstrate to legislators, educators, students, and others statewide how technology is currently being used in Missouri schools to enhance learning and improve student achievement. Teachers are selected  through a competitive application process and can bring a select number of  students with them to the exhibit. Students that represented Joplin were Alyssa Brown, Holly Hughes, Madi Frost, and Darian Parker. They were greeted by Senator Gary Nodler and were introduced to the Senate as the session was called to order.
Please join us in congratulating these students, their teacher, and their administrators for the commitment they have made and dedication they have shown to our schools!