Education is evolving beyond traditional methods, and Gallup-McKinley County Schools are at the forefront of this transformation. This academic year marks the beginning of an innovative venture as the district invests over $1.5 million in interactive technology through a collaboration with KIDSjumpTECH, a Miami-based tech firm.
KIDSjumpTECH brings a diverse array of technologies to the table, including mobile interactive floors, AI-powered interactive sandboxes, engaging interactive walls, and multifunctional multitouch kiosks. These technologies are equipped with a variety of educational programs designed to enhance learning in subjects like math, science, and literature, along with a multitude of other areas.
Wade Bell, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction, emphasized the significant role these tools play in developing students’ motor skills. He highlighted the importance of kinesthetic learning, stating, “A lot of students learn by physical movement.”
The introduction of KIDSjumpTECH’s solutions has been made in several areas within the GMCS, including elementary discovery centers and classrooms dedicated to students with significant disabilities, as well as preschool and Pre-K classrooms.
Bell lauded KIDSjumpTECH for their exceptional customer support and mentioned the comprehensive five-year warranty that accompanies their products. “We’ve invested heavily in this initiative, and KIDSjumpTECH is equally committed to ensuring our satisfaction with their offerings,” he noted.
This partnership represents KIDSjumpTECH’s most extensive educational collaboration to date. The district’s investment includes $13,000 per AI sandbox, $11,000 for each interactive wall mount, $7,500 per multitouch table, and approximately $14,500 for the mobile floors.
Among the noteworthy implementations, AI sandboxes and mobile interactive floors have been installed in every relevant elementary and preschool setting, while the interactive walls and multitouch kiosks are currently exclusive to elementary discovery centers.
Bell shared a heartwarming story of how the interactive floor technology transformed a student’s day from frustration to fascination, illustrating the profound impact of these tools on students’ engagement and mood.
During a recent board meeting on August 14, GMCS board members experienced firsthand the wonders of the multitouch tables and interactive floors. While the current focus is on younger learners, GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt assured that technologies catering to middle and high school students are on the horizon.
Hyatt envisions these advanced tools being used in a variety of educational scenarios, from science experiments to practical skills training in disciplines like welding. He also mentioned the possibility of integrating region-specific content into the learning programs to further enrich students’ educational experiences.
For a closer look at how these interactive technologies are captivating GMCS students, visit the Sun’s Facebook page, @GallupSunPublishing, to view videos of the engaging activities.
Source: https://gallupsun.com