UTSA's La Clase Mágica after-school program introduces kids to technology
UTSA education majors use latest technology to teach students at Las Palmas Elementary
UTSA education majors use latest technology to teach students at Las Palmas Elementary
Share this Story(Nov. 15, 2011) -- The Academy for Teacher Excellence in the UTSA College of Education and Human Development will celebrate Nov. 15 the successful third year of La Clase Mágica, its ongoing, bilingual afterschool technology program. The end-of-the-semester gathering of students, parents and undergraduate teacher candidates is 4-5 p.m. at Las Palmas Elementary in the Edgewood ISD.
From 4 to 4:30 p.m., short videos created by participants will be shown in the library. The videos highlight involvement in the program, the types of activities and lessons they’ve learned, and how the program has brought families closer together. From 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., students and families will meet in the cafeteria to have dinner, receive their certificates and participate in a raffle of an iPad and Flip camera.
La Clase Mágica exposes 23 low-income, Latina/Latino elementary-school students to the latest technological advancements through one-on-one collaborations with UTSA undergraduate teacher candidates who are preparing to be bilingual teachers.
Participants meet each week at Las Palmas Elementary under the guidance of a site coordinator and a UTSA professor. This semester, students explored and completed numerous digital task cards on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The 23 students’ technological access was broadened through the use of iPads, allowing the students to discover at an early age how to skillfully navigate touch-screen technology and smartphone apps.
The program includes a parental involvement component that provides parents with access to technology via monthly workshops. La Clase Mágica is modeled on a program developed in 1989 by Olga Vásquez at the University of California at San Diego.
Events
The YWCA of San Antonio will host Heidi Rueda of UTSA’s Department of Social Work and other panel members in a discussion of teen dating violence.
503 Castroville Road, San AntonioAs part of UTSA’s Department of Anthropology Lecture Series, primatologist Michelle Bezanson of Santa Clara University will speak on difficulties for primate research because so many species are endangered and the narrow window of opportunity to make a difference in conservation. The event will be free and open to the public.
Student Union, Pecan Room (SU 2.01.26), Main CampusAdmission is free to all Alumni Association members. Nonmember adult admission is $20; children 16 and under are free. Anyone who wants to get rowdy is welcome! Giveaways, music, UTSA Cheer & Rowdy, Pep Band and more!
Alamodome Lot C, 100 Montana St., San AntonioThe Roadrunners celebrate homecoming, facing in-state rival Rice Owls.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St., San AntonioThe UTSA faculty, staff, and students are invited to this free event to learn about the importance of wellbeing, early detection, health maintenance, stress reduction, and staying fit!
Student Union, Paseo Principal, Main CampusRepresentatives from schools across the state and country will be on hand to meet with prospective students and discuss admissions requirements, funding opportunities and details regarding program offerings. Each of UTSA’s colleges will have representatives available.
Student Union, Main CampusUTSA’s Policy Studies Center presents Michael D. Green, professor of law at Wake Forrest University, as part of its Distinguished Lecture Series. Green is a nationally and internationally recognized torts teacher and scholar. Admission is free and open to the public.
Frio Street Building (FS 1.512), Downtown Campus
