TEXTS is a multidisciplinary, collaborative, three year ITEST Strategies project designed to facilitate the learning of science and technology concepts by 6th -8th grade students in the economically distressed Arkansas Delta Region (ADR). The main objective of TEXTS is to inspire Delta teachers to use technology to teach health and science through three, two-week summer institutes at Arkansas State University (ASU), a university known for its outreach and service for citizens of the Delta. By creating collaborative technology opportunities between teachers and students, TEXTS will fulfill its goals to enhance science teachers’ abilities to deliver science knowledge through technology and learning partnerships with students, to give Delta middle school students a vision of a future in STEM careers, and encourage parental involvement in the student’s exploration of science and technology.  

Science teachers and students (6-8th graders) from Arkansas schools attended the first TEXTS workshop on Nov. 1, 2008 at Arkansas State University.
Teachers and students were exposed to multimedia technology and science content on the brain. They learned how to prepare graphics, audio, and video content and disseminate science content through story-telling. Each teacher paired with a student and produced their first podcast on the brain at the workshop.

TEXTS is funded by Arkansas State University's Research Office and Horizon Institute of Technology.