For the City of Valparaiso and America's Best Communities, working together to make the best community for its residents has been a mission that has been embraced by both community and business alike. In an effort to continue the betterment of the Valparaiso community, ABC has embraced the fusion of technology and education by funding iPad Allied Carts.
"The idea to have iPad carts was birthed during our many VCS Elementary Art Department collaboration meetings within the past year," says Flint Lake Elementary Art teacher Jessica Corral. "After taking the role of the Elementary Art Department Chair, I discussed ideas with my team on how we can write a grant to help start the purchase of iPads for our art rooms."
During this time another brainstorming session occurred. Corral was discussing the possibility of reinventing Flint Lake Elementary's annual Spring art show with a fellow art teacher. After creating some ideas and submitting them to their team for review, it was decided that the team should move forward with our vision by contacting the school's administration, as well as the city to gain support and necessary approval.
"I presented our revised event to Dr. Ric Frataccia as well as Julie Lauck (our superintendent and associate superintendent) late August. They both encouraged me to move forward by contacting the city and were excited given the recent move forward for Valparaiso within America's Best Community contest," says Corral.
In early September, Corral met with Bill Oeding (city administrator) and Tyler Kent (city planner) to discuss possibilities and their overall vision. During our discussion, Corral revealed a month-long celebration of the Arts for Valparaiso. It would later be called: "Spring into the Arts", a festival for the Arts with many micro-events to highlight various artists/locations within our city.
"After sharing the above information with both Bill and Tyler, I was asked if my art department could benefit from technology. I mentioned our desire to have iPad carts in each art room. Tyler assured me that funds from the Redevelopment Commission could be earmarked to do just that. This started a completely new project: iPad Allied Carts," says Corral.
In early September, it was confirmed that there were funds readily available thanks to the Redevelopment Commission to move forward. The purchase was put through and finalized at the end of September. iPad carts were ordered and delivered mid-October to every elementary Art room, adding up to a total of eight iPad Mini Allied Art Carts. They are considered iPad Allied Art Carts to be used by Art, PE, and Music teachers at each elementary building.
"This has opened up an amazing opportunity for Elementary Allied Art Teachers to integrate technology in a fairly efficient and exciting way. Students K-5 will now have access to iPad Minis and curriculum-related apps that reinforce important skills and objectives taught in class," says Corral.
Students have utilized these iPads to understand and study art concepts in an interactive and engaging way. From self-portrait study to the observation of still life, students have been allowed to explore the world art with just the slide of a finger.
There is much to be gained from iPad minis in the art room because they instantaneously connect students to concepts in a format that compel them," says Corral. "For this reason, our first iPad study in October went amazingly well and I anticipate future lessons will do the same. I am very happy to have the ability to grant such opportunities to my students."
All iPad evidence has also been made accessible to the ABC Committee to utilize as needed during the competition phase since the city helped make this purchase a reality and has opened a new door to possibilities that would've otherwise been too difficult or cumbersome to implement.
"It is obvious to me that the community of Valparaiso believes in the power of the Arts, just as much as they believe in the importance of education," says Corral. "To feel the overwhelming amount of support from our administration as well as city officials, reminds me that my job as an art teacher is valued."
Corral hopes that the community of Valparaiso realizes the importance of both new ways to teach creativity and organizations like ABC, that support this vision for a better community and a better future.
"One message I would hope the public can gain from this story, is to never stop discussing creative ideas with one another. Whether you are a teacher, an engineer, a lawyer, a doctor, a business owner, a hair stylist... artistic ideas transform who we are and inspire us to be more," says Corral.