Last spring, Woodson Kindergarten Center debuted a series of videos to help the youngest Austin Public School students transition into their time in school. Now, Principal Jessica Cabeen has been recognized for those and other technology-based efforts.

Cabeen was one of the recipients of the Digital Leader of Early Learning award through the National Association of Elementary School Principals, which came with $2,000 for Cabeen to attend and speak at two sessions during the group’s conference July 5 to 8.

However, Cabeen is already shopping for deals online, because any money left over can be used for technology purchases at the school.

“I’m Price Lining everyday to find the cheapest flights because the cheaper I am out there, the more money I get to spend here,” she said.

Cabeen and Woodson have been proactive in introducing students to technology at a young age. It started about four years ago when Woodson bought six iPads for each classrooms, which are integrated into learning every day. The iPads were added after a referendum and school expansion. Instead of computer labs with laptops or desktop computers, Cabeen notes the iPads are more relevant to the age.

Ready for school

Cabeen and Woodson staff have also made a big impact through the school’s blog, Packers in Training at https://packersintraining.wordpress.com. The site has featured several videos, but last spring teachers, staff and community leaders came together to film a series of videos that were sent to parents each week during the summer to prepare the youngsters for kindergarten.

“It’s just our way of blending technology and social media with supporting kindergarten readiness,” Cabeen said.

One taught students how to tie their shoes, while in another a teacher and a para-professional demonstrated how they could use enriching vocabulary and literacy at the grocery store, and more.

“The videos are really generating a lot of interest, because it’s a real-life example of how you can get students ready for kindergarten,” Cabeen said.

The videos also introduced parents and students to all the teachers, para professionals and staffers in the building.

“So it decreased anxiety for everybody because all of a sudden you’re like, ‘Oh, I saw that person already. They’re on the video,’” Cabeen said.

Along with talks, the videos were used at kindergarten roundup. The videos were published gradually through Facebook.

Cabeen and other staff made other newsletter videos throughout the year. Many would feature a segment called Kid Principal where Cabeen interviews a student to ask what they’d do if they were principal. The videos also include information on things going on at the school, like the chicks hatching recently, along with a spotlight on someone at the school.

“Parents can get to see what their kids are doing everyday,” Cabeen said.

The monthly videos are six to eight minutes, while the school prep videos are just under five minutes.

Learning online

The video-based learning didn’t stop once the kindergarteners reached the classroom.

Along with onsite teachers from the MacPhail Center for Music, classes often Skype with music teachers from the Twin Cities.

“They did a really nice job throughout the year,” Cabeen said.

Woodson also started a mentoring program with a few classes from Neveln Elementary School and I.J. Holton Intermediate School where the older students read to kindergartners via Skype to show how well they’ll be reading in just a few years.

“It’s really increasing awareness of what a great reader you can be when you get to fifth grade,” Cabeen said.

The school also started piloting a new project called Coding Club in January where students create simple programming like designing games. The program helps students take a more proactive and interactive approach with technology.

“We’ve shifted the mindset of early learning from being consumers of technology to creators,” Cabeen said. “So we’re not just sitting, watching videos anymore or listening to music or being more passive. Now we’re being active in our learning with that.”

Plus, Cabeen noted using apps and other technological tools help teach students through the things they’ve grown up with.

“By using technology, it is such a hook for kids these days, because it’s something she’s grown up with,” Cabeen said.

In Coding Club, Cabeen notes the students are often the teachers. She tries to ask questions to guide the students toward discovering a solution rather than simply telling them, as Cabeen said she tries to be hands off. If an iPad isn’t working, she’ll let them trouble shoot until they correct the problem.

“Me fixing the problem isn’t going to help them,” Cabeen said.

Moving ahead

This spring, school leaders will continue working on more ways to blend technology in classrooms, including through low tech things like LEGOS to implement engineering concepts.

Cabeen said she was surprised and pleased to get the award, adding that she’s gotten a lot of positive feedback form the across the district and even the Minnesota Department of Education.

“They’re very proud of their Minnesota award winner,” Cabeen said with a laugh.

View a video of Woodson Principal Jessica Cabeen and Woodson’s technology efforts at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M-zjyPDrVk