How one local school district leads the way with technology

Over the course of the school year students within Yuma School District One participate in the iTEAM KiDS program. This program allows them to take their knowledge back to the classroom.

Basically, the iTEAM KiDS are taught by the district’s I.T. technicians on how to use technology and devices correctly.

“A group of kids that we have at each school that helps us with basic troubleshooting and they know about technology,” said Samuel Rodriguez, I.T. technician for the district.

Saturday was one of the program’s weekend gatherings where they learned more about Garage Band and troubleshooting iOS.

“They do troubleshooting, creating videos, slideshows, they do a lot,” said Desiree Cooksey, a 2nd Grade Teacher at C.W. McGraw Elementary.

Students take what they learn through these workshops and bring them back to the classroom, where they can now help their teacher or other students.

“They can help that classmate and they can solve those issues and keep using those devices properly,” Rodriguez added.

This program can only be found in one place.

“District One is the only district in Yuma that has it,” Cooksey added.

The goal is to have students be a good digital citizen as well as role model for others.

“It helps with their self-esteem, it’s very reassuring for them, and they know they’re good at it and it builds their confidence, too,” Cooksey said.

“That makes me feel better about myself so I can help people,” Yahaira Rios, 5th Grader at O.C. Johnson Elementary said.

Cooksey said it’s important the students know technology in this day and age.

“I mean technology is our future… I mean, everything we’re going towards is technology-related,” added Cooksey.

Leaders with the program said it also teaches real-world skills for future careers. Chosen students will be able to present what they know at a district-wide professional development day for teachers.

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