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The Grossmont Union High School District has named Helix Charter
High School teachers Paula Ann Trevino and Garry Wilcox as its
Education Innovator of the Month recipients. Superintendent Terry
Ryan said, "We are honored to have these fine teachers
in the Grossmont District. They exude enthusiasm and are blazing
new trails in their efforts to provide superior learning opportunities
for Helix Charter students."
This duo has been a driving force behind using innovative technology
to get students engaged. After meeting with Dr. Ming-Hsiang Tsou,
an Associate Professor of Geography at San Diego State University
over two years ago, the pair embarked on an ambitious journey
to introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology
into the high school curriculum at Helix. GIS are cutting-edge
technological tools that are valuable in problem-based learning
and are applied in many disciplines, including business management,
biology, public health, civil engineering, geosciences, and geography.
The course-level collaboration between Ms. Trevino and Mr. Wilcox
was borne out of a desire to provide Helix students with superior
educational opportunities that equip them with the essential
skills required in the 21st Century workforce. GIS, along with
nanotechnology and biotechnology, have been identified as the
most critical technological skills of the future.
Dr. Ming Tsou said, "Their great efforts in the adoption
of this cutting-edge GIS technology at Helix Charter High School
is truly a success story. Their extraordinary teaching experiences
and pedagogy could become a national model for all high schools
in the United States."
Ms. Trevino and Mr. Wilcox's students also visited the
GIS computer laboratories at San Diego State University. More
than 120 Helix Charter High School students experienced a hands-on
introduction to GIS and Web technology, and a GPS treasure hunting
exercise.
Ms. Trevino and Mr. Wilcox also adopted a Web-based GIS learning
module for their Human Geography classes. Students now access
Web-based population density maps to visualize the spatial pattern
of population growth and birth rates across different countries.
Students are learning to use technology to analyze human and
environmental problems. Then, they create a research project
tailored to their own interests, ranging from mapping the Seven
Wonders of the World or World War I battles to famous ballparks
nationwide.
As to what the future holds for this team, Ms. Trevino said, "We
can truly see how GIS technology is tied to so many aspects of
learning. More importantly, we are excited for what lies ahead
in the next few years as we work on creating a stronger partnership
with SDSU, for the ultimate benefit of our students."
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