How do we keep fine arts education relevant in a rapidly evolving digital world? Daniele Baxa, Theatre teacher at Eisenhower High School, found a brilliant way to answer that question.
As communication and entertainment technology shifts toward digital audio platforms like podcasts and audiobooks, high school fine arts students need hands-on opportunities to learn, create, and produce content in these highly relevant fields.
“As technology is continually evolving so is the world of fine arts and the way we reach our audiences.” Mrs. Baxa shares. “Podcasts, YouTube, and Audiobooks are just an example of some areas that have gained popularity and growth in the past few years. Our students need to have an opportunity to learn and create in these areas in a safe and supported learning environment.”
Utilizing an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF), the school purchased 4 starter audio recording sets that integrate seamlessly with student Chromebooks. This new equipment isn’t just for one project; it is changing the game across several different classes, each tailored to unique learning goals:
Theatre Arts: Students are stepping behind the mic to master the art of voice acting and voice overs.
Public Speaking: Students are researching, structuring, and producing their very own podcasts.
Advanced Acting/Directing & ELL Classes: Students are exploring the world of audio books by recording children’s books. Best of all, English Language Learner (ELL) students will record these books in their native languages to share directly with elementary classrooms across our district.
Through this grant, students aren’t just learning how to use technology; they are developing content for real audiences, collaborating with their peers, and building future career or hobby outlets. They are creating a bridge of storytelling that connects our high schoolers with the growing world of technology. 
Thank you to the GEF and all the contributors who make these innovative, and real-world learning experiences possible for Goddard students.