San Angelo ISD Applauded for zSpace Technology Integration

San Angelo ISD is committed to engaging all students in a relevant and inspiring education that produces future-ready graduates, and as a part of that commitment brings innovation to our students and classrooms through integration of new technology into student learning experiences. The District was recently applauded as an example of success for our implementation of zSpace technology, combined augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) solutions for immersive, interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences, within our SAISD curriculum and instruction. ZSpace representative Kevin Dougherty identified SAISD as a stand out of the approximately 100 school districts zSpace works with, pointing out how the District created a vision for what zSpace would look like in SAISD and for successful implementation.

“ZSpace gives us a chance to incorporate the four Cs of our SAISD Learner Profile, creator, collaborator, communicator and critical thinker, by providing students with the interactive experiences through the latest AR/VR technology,” said SAISD Director of Advanced Academics and Fine Arts Tiffany Huebner. “Working alongside Zspace has made us better educators and lifelong learners. It enables our educators to bring engaging learning experiences that might otherwise be only possible outside of the classroom.”

SAISD initiated our approach to integration of the zSpace technology with an initial focus on 3rd through 5th grade use and beginning with elementary at the three district magnet campuses of Fort Concho, Holiman and Santa Rita. Although the zSpace devices are at the magnet campuses, they are not solely dedicated to use by students enrolled in the GT Program.

 SAISD is learning from student and educator discovery, practice and use of zSpace at the three elementary campuses in the initial phase, and as a result of the success at the elementary level, has already expanded to include some secondary integration of zSpace at Lone Star Middle School and in certain SAISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. Lone Star students kicked off work with zSpace devices last spring in science and math curriculum instruction, and CTE students will be using it to support Health Sciences and Automotive Programs of Study.

 “By incorporating zSpace into these CTE Programs of Study, students have the opportunity to make deeper connections to their learning. We want to do more than prepare students for an exam; We want students to retain knowledge through discovery and research, and have their learning and presentations come alive. ZSpace helps us, as educators, accomplish this by shifting learning from one dimensional on paper to 3D,” said SAISD Director of Career and Technical Education Roxanne Fentress. “In Health Science this enables students to separate anatomical features from the rest of the body and make connections between medical terminology and anatomy.  In Automotive Technology, students will utilize zSpace to explore intricate systems such as fuel, air conditioning, engine and suspension. ZSpace adds valuable knowledge for students as they pursue industry based certifications in these program areas.”

Students at the SAISD STEM Camp this week also worked with zSpace to investigate and learn the components of a rocket. zSpace combines elements of AR and VR to create life-like experiences that are immersive and interactive to support instruction and students’ learning and curiosity. Students learn by asking questions, gathering information, developing models, testing ideas, analyzing data, and developing conclusions. Educators facilitate learning by setting up tools and resources that help students through the lesson. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.