By Mark Archibald
Technology seems to change so quickly that it can cause a feeling of anxiety in some, but as the uses and need for it continue to evolve, understanding its uses and getting comfortable with technology at an early age is becoming a key to success.
It has become a normal part of daily life, as it has in the job market.
Last Thursday Corsicana ISD Audio/Video Technology teacher, Karen Vandiver, achieved part of her goal, allowing her students to experience the tools that will help students’ visions a reality.
Vandiver, a 20-year teacher at Corsicana ISD, was awarded a $14,085 technology grant from Education Service Center Region 12 directors.
Region 12 is headquartered in Waco and includes more than seventy school districts, including Corsicana ISD.
Vandiver said she began applying for this grant in 2025, “I set an individual goal to apply for more grants this year, so that our students could have even greater opportunities in the future.”
The Instructional Technology Grant will fund a Creative Design & Innovation Center, the school’s first integrated virtual reality and fabrication learning lab.
The grant was awarded by the ESC Technology Foundation Board, one of ten that were awarded this year, out of seventy-five applications that were received.
“Mrs. Vandiver is part of an elite group of award winners,” said Dr. Michael Novotany of the ESC Region 12 Technology Foundation.
The center is expected to serve more than 400 students in grades 9-12 enrolled in Business, Law Enforcement, Digital Communications, and Digital Design courses.
Grant funds will purchase an array of equipment to make that vision possible. The equipment list includes an 80-watt laser cutter, virtual reality headsets, a hand scanner, and a heat-transfer press, among other tools.
Vandiver said the lab will allow students to design in Adobe software, preview work in virtual reality, and fabricate finished products the same day.
“Right now, our students design on screens but rarely get to fabricate at professional quality,” Vandiver said.
“This project closes that gap, giving access to modern fabrication and immersive design so every student can turn an idea into a tangible product, portfolio piece, or micro-business.”
CISD Teacher Receives Tech Grant
By Mark Archibald
Technology seems to change so quickly that it can cause a feeling of anxiety in some, but as the uses and need for it continue to evolve, understanding its uses and getting comfortable with technology at an early age is becoming a key to success.
It has become a normal part of daily life, as it has in the job market.
Last Thursday Corsicana ISD Audio/Video Technology teacher, Karen Vandiver, achieved part of her goal, allowing her students to experience the tools that will help students’ visions a reality.
Vandiver, a 20-year teacher at Corsicana ISD, was awarded a $14,085 technology grant from Education Service Center Region 12 directors.
Region 12 is headquartered in Waco and includes more than seventy school districts, including Corsicana ISD.
Vandiver said she began applying for this grant in 2025, “I set an individual goal to apply for more grants this year, so that our students could have even greater opportunities in the future.”
The Instructional Technology Grant will fund a Creative Design & Innovation Center, the school’s first integrated virtual reality and fabrication learning lab.
The grant was awarded by the ESC Technology Foundation Board, one of ten that were awarded this year, out of seventy-five applications that were received.
“Mrs. Vandiver is part of an elite group of award winners,” said Dr. Michael Novotany of the ESC Region 12 Technology Foundation.
The center is expected to serve more than 400 students in grades 9-12 enrolled in Business, Law Enforcement, Digital Communications, and Digital Design courses.
Grant funds will purchase an array of equipment to make that vision possible. The equipment list includes an 80-watt laser cutter, virtual reality headsets, a hand scanner, and a heat-transfer press, among other tools.
Vandiver said the lab will allow students to design in Adobe software, preview work in virtual reality, and fabricate finished products the same day.
“Right now, our students design on screens but rarely get to fabricate at professional quality,” Vandiver said.
“This project closes that gap, giving access to modern fabrication and immersive design so every student can turn an idea into a tangible product, portfolio piece, or micro-business.”