Background
TMI Episcopal, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a private, coeducational Episcopal college preparatory school with a military tradition. Established in 1893, it is the oldest Episcopal college preparatory school in the American Southwest and serves as the flagship school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. The school enrolls approximately 552 students, with an average class size of 15 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1. It spans an 80-acre campus. It offers a variety of programs including 19 interscholastic sports.
The academic focus at TMI Episcopal is rigorous, underscored by a strong honor system in place since 1908, requiring students to pledge integrity in their educational endeavors. Additionally, the school emphasizes moral and spiritual development through initiatives like Chapel Talks, where final-year students deliver speeches on ethical values, and the Daunt Lectures, which explore the religious dimensions of contemporary moral, social, and public issues.
Approximately one-third of the students are members of the Corps of Cadets, affiliated with the United States Army’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). This program has been recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinction, allowing TMI cadets to apply for places at United States Service academies without the usual congressional recommendation.
TMI Episcopal School is committed to leading in technology and innovation, as demonstrated by its dynamic Innovation and Design program. This program, grounded in design thinking and human-centered design principles, finds its epicenter in The Walker Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art facility, the latest addition to TMI’s campus, was inaugurated for student use in October 2020. It is equipped with advanced technologies such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and an AP Lazer laser cutter/engraver, and supports both Vex and Lego robotics programs. Additionally, The Walker Innovation Center has recently launched a burgeoning Business and Entrepreneurship program, which has shown significant growth and development over the past two years as of 2023.
The school’s students come from diverse geographical backgrounds, including regions such as South Texas, Mexico, various states in the U.S., and countries like Afghanistan, Australia, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Objective
The Innovation and Design program at TMI Episcopal School prominently integrates AP Lazer technology into its curriculum, emphasizing the development of student proficiency in operating this equipment safely, efficiently, and effectively. By the conclusion of their first year, high school participants are expected to competently utilize the laser with minimal oversight. The technology is instrumental in prototyping and testing design concepts using cost-effective materials like cardboard, before progressing to more expensive substances such as acrylics or metals.
Beyond its primary role in the Innovation and Design program, the AP Lazer has diverse applications across various departments. Robotics students employ it for fabricating and engraving components of their competition robots, the Arts department leverages it to craft intricate multi-layered wooden and acrylic artworks, while the Science department utilizes it to elucidate the principles of laser physics and chemistry.
The SN2816 AP Lazer is a cornerstone of our Innovation Center, fostering practical skills that have enabled students to secure internships in robotics and showcase their work at technology and innovation conferences and competitions. This technology not only enhances educational experiences but also contributes to generating revenue for the school’s admissions and development initiatives.
Laser Selection
TMI Episcopal’s selection of AP Lazer technology was significantly influenced by the endorsement of their Dean of Innovation, Justin Kutscherousky. With prior experience utilizing this technology at All-Saints Episcopal, where he served as the Director of the Center for Innovation, Mr. Kutscherousky has consistently been impressed by the ease with which both operating and instructing students in the use of this technology can be achieved. A pivotal factor in choosing AP Lazer over competitors is its unique feature that allows the removal of the Z-carriage, facilitating work on larger objects. Furthermore, AP Lazer’s commitment to exceptional customer service, including their knowledgeable staff’s 24/7 availability to resolve issues ranging from the most complex to the most basic, greatly influenced the decision.
Implementation
The integration of laser technology at TMI Episcopal was facilitated by the presence of a dedicated building for technology and fabrication, a luxury that smaller schools may not possess due to space constraints. To maximize the utility of such technology, a proactive strategy involves identifying and engaging faculty members across various departments who show an inclination towards innovative tools like lasers. By involving representatives from diverse disciplines – from World Languages engraving Latin epitaphs to Athletics creating trophies, and Fine Arts in sculpture creation – the benefits become more tangible to the broader faculty. The key to successful implementation lies in demonstrating the laser’s multifaceted applications, thereby encouraging widespread faculty adoption and integration into the curriculum.
At TMI Episcopal, a comprehensive “badging” system is employed for both students and faculty to certify proficiency in laser technology. This process begins with a demonstration of the laser’s fundamental engraving and cutting capabilities, typically using thin cardboard. Participants then engage with an online module on the Rise platform, which encompasses safety protocols and efficiency best practices through interactive elements such as multiple-choice questions, short-answer queries, and picture matching. A prerequisite 100% score on a concluding quiz grants access to the practical examination, where students demonstrate their skills by creating a personalized badge using the AP Lazer software. This badge, showcasing their mastery of the basic hardware and software, is displayed in the Fab Lab. For more advanced applications, the school leverages AP Lazer’s online resources to facilitate extended training, tailored on a case-by-case basis.
Educational Applications
TMI Episcopal, a private school serving grades 6-12, boasts a campus where the influence of their AP Lazer technology is ubiquitously evident in nearly every classroom. This widespread utilization stems from the students’ deep understanding and adept use of the laser technology, often crafting projects that serve as functional additions for their classrooms or as thoughtful gifts for their educators. Additionally, teachers themselves frequently leverage the laser for various needs, such as swiftly cutting more robust materials or creating stencils for specific classroom projects, illustrating the technology’s integral role in enhancing the educational environment.
Student Projects
At TMI Episcopal, the SN2816 model of AP Lazer plays a pivotal role in the Walker Innovation Center, being integral to a diverse range of student projects. These projects include:
- Creating prototypes to ensure precise measurements and ratios.
- Engraving signage for the campus garden.
- Customizing mugs as gifts for favorite teachers.
- Producing cut and engraved acrylic signs for campus-wide use.
- Crafting 3D wooden sculptures for art exhibitions and college portfolio submissions.
- Demonstrating laser functionality in Physics and Chemistry classes.
- Fabricating and engraving acrylic components for the chassis of robots in competitive robotics.
Beyond student projects, the laser is utilized in various campus activities. This includes engraving wine glasses for parent events, creating keychains for the Admissions department, and producing custom coins and medallions for conferences and fundraisers. The laser technology significantly contributes to TMI’s outreach and community engagement efforts.
Impact On Learning
Student Engagement
The AP Lazer has become a focal point within TMI Episcopal’s Walker Innovation Center. Positioned prominently, it captures the immediate attention and curiosity of students entering the facility. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular tool among students ranging from eighth grade to seniors, facilitating both academic and personal projects. The laser’s impressive capabilities not only kindle student enthusiasm but also serve as a highlight during Admissions tours, often being the first feature showcased. Its presence significantly enhances the educational experience, making it a standout attraction in the Innovation Center.
Academic Performance
Since the introduction of the laser technology in our Innovation Center, student engagement in lessons has markedly increased. Projects that were traditionally completed using basic tools like scissors and glue have transformed into high-tech experiences. This shift has instilled a sense of pride in students as they master the operation of this advanced equipment. The enhanced engagement not only enriches the learning process but also positively correlates with improved grades, as students exhibit greater enthusiasm and commitment towards their projects. This technological integration has been a key factor in elevating both the interest and academic performance of our students.
Challenges and Solutions
The implementation of the laser technology at TMI Episcopal encountered minimal challenges, primarily hinging on faculty adoption. Successful integration depended on the faculty’s willingness to embrace and demonstrate the technology’s utility, thereby fostering a comfortable and encouraging environment for students. This approach, as previously outlined in the document, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition and effective utilization of the laser technology in the educational setting.
Contact us to learn more about integrating an AP Lazer in your district’s curriculum.
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