IN Peters Township August/September 2018 | Page 39

transformed two years ago from
a computer lab to a space where
teachers can come in specifically
to infuse technology into their
lessons by using devices like
computers, headphones, robotics,
programming, virtual reality
headsets, vinyl cutting and—
recently added—a 3D printer.
“I love working at Peters
Township Middle School because
every day is different and the kids
always keep me laughing,” says
Collins.
This past spring, she was the
recipient of the Middle Level
Educator Award through the
Carnegie Science Center. “I was
both extremely flattered and
surprised by this honor,” she says.
“It came as a result of my—and
really, the whole staff at Peters’—
work in the Hub and the innovative
ways we strive to educate students
every day.”
Students have participated in
workshops involving the Hockey
Scholar program, Hour of Code and
vinyl-cutter instruction with T-shirt
design. “Through our Hub, we
have been able to make t-shirts for
Dance-a-Thon, help gifted students
learn to utilize drag-and-drop
programming to operate humanoid
robots, and so much more.”
Collins also works with other
teachers to help them infuse
technology into their instruction.
“The Hub has allowed French
students to take a virtual reality
tour of Paris without leaving the
classroom, and let social studies
students write and record their
own national anthems,” she says.
“The opportunities are truly
unlimited across all disciplines and
curriculums.”
Collins looks forward to the ways
she and her colleagues can continue
to provide Peters Township
students with 21st century skills,
preparing them to enter the
competitive and ever-evolving
workplace upon graduation. She
adds, “We pride ourselves in the
opportunities we are able to provide
to our students and hope that early
exposure to technology might
encourage students to enter STEM-
related fields.”   n
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