Collaboration and innovation – that is the heart of both the intent for a new digitally-rich learning environment within Indian Hill High School, and the funding that made the science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) classroom a reality. The design started with a desire expressed directly by students to have access to a facility to pursue their passion for learning in the fields of digital arts and digital science, and the project was funded through alumni support led by Dean and Anne Kereiakes and Beth and Doug Brendamour through the Indian Hill Foundation.
“Braves supporting Braves – we are completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the generous donations that have made the Indian Hill High School Digital Arts Technology Lab a part of the 2019-2020 school year,” said Dr. Melissa Stewart, Indian Hill School District assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. “Before construction began, our team researched similar spaces at the university level and within business; this new classroom mirrors the latest and greatest being offered and will prepare our students for post-secondary life.”
The space, which was designed to optimize use of technology for large groups while also serving as a collaboration space for small-group learning, is scheduled for use for two areas of study – computer science and graphic arts.
“In continuing to develop a learning-center culture – which is a focus area with our GOLD Strategic Plan for Transformational Excellence – we wanted all students and all teachers to have open time within the school day to schedule this space for STEAM exploration and collaboration,” said Dr. Stewart. “Building a high-quality STEAM culture is not a destination – it is a journey. We plan to maximize use of this space, and continue to evolve our capacity to grow both our students and our staff through rich STEAM offerings. It is an exciting time to be a Brave.”
Photo caption: Indian Hill High School welcomed students into the new Digital Arts Technology Lab on the first day of class August 15, 2019.