*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Sustaining a 1:1 program – insights from research Presenters: Dr. Andrea Beesly, Rebecca Griffiths, Linda Shear Overview: “1:1 programs bring initial excitement and, later, deeper learning opportunities. But sustaining and funding over time is a challenge. This paper shares insights on sustaining 1:1 technology programs in economically challenged K-12 settings, based on a large research study of an iPad program.“ Main Takeaways: Externally-funded projects have diminished benefits over time (fatigue, lack of funds, too long to continue momentum) How can this be avoided? ConnectED –… Read More
Universal Design for Learning/Differentiated Learning
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. 10 ways to use iPads to increase access and engagement Presenter: Cassie Frost Overview: “Discover 10 ways that an iPad can be used to increase access for students with disabilities. Methods for use in face to face and digital learning environments will be discussed. Learn about both internal accessibility features as well as iOS Apps for engagement and accessibility.” Main Takeaways: Assistive Technology “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve… Read More
Instructional Design & Delivery
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Taking everyone to the top: from app-centric lessons to true cognitive engagement Presenters: Jessica Herring, Dr. Michael Mills Overview: “Apps usually become the focus of technology use in classroom learning, but in this session, you’ll learn how to take what might start as app-centric lessons and take them to a higher level of authentic, contextual learning and cognitive engagement.” Main Takeaways: App choices need to move beyond “this is cool” to “how does this help to meet or surpass curricular goals” “plant the seeds of… Read More
Leadership
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Edtech Coaches Panel: effective strategies to improve teaching & learning Presenters: Kris Amijo, Jason Gay, Stephanie Howell, Amy Hudson Estepp, Brian Seymour, Jeremy Shorr Overview: “A technology integration specialist and coaches panel from a variety of educational settings will share challenges and strategies that contribute to a district’s technology vision, implementing high-quality, job-embedded professional learning opportunities and integrating digital literacy and citizenship.” Main Takeaways: All support roles in a division exist to support teachers in their role with students How can we get teachers to… Read More
Digital Citizenship
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. The most important skill of the digital age Presenter: Alan November Overview: “There is overwhelming research that the majority of our students do not have strategies to to validate if online content is true or false.. Come and learn how to design highly creative assignments that cover the curriculum and teach students to be web literate!“ Main Takeaways: URL formats can tell users what type of author is associated with that content .org , .edu , .co , .com punctuation such as ~ , –… Read More
Teacher Education: Part 2
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Championing Technology Infusion in Techer Preparation Presenters: Dr. Arlene Borthwick, Dr. Jon Clausen, Dr. Denise Crawford, Dr. Teresa Foulger, Dr. Kevin Graziano, Dr. Liz Kolb, Dr. Michael McVey, Dr. Rob Muller, Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, Ji Soo Song, Dr. Joseph South, Dr. Debra Sprague, Dr. Jo Williamson Overview: “This session addresses the complexity of technology infusion from a systems perspective, considering the complexity of teacher preparation as an outcome of teacher candidate, faculty, program, field and unit-level participation. The panelists will share their perspectives of the complexity… Read More
Teacher Education: Part 1
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. PD Magic: Applying the Best Practices of the Walt Disney Co. Presenters: Ryan Boeckman, Jerry Johnson Overview: “P.D. Magic is a transformative professional development model that strives to create future-ready classrooms and schools. Explore the instructional methods, concepts and activities that P.D. Magic uses to develop graduate-level courses, workshops, online courses and experiential on-site learning experiences.” Main Takeaways: 6 Core Values 1. Creative storytellers 2. Innovative designers 3. Memorable leaders 4. Blue sky thinkers 5. Empowered learners 6. Knowledge constructors The goal is to develop… Read More
Project-, Problem- & Challenge-based Learning
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Anatomy of Effective Digital-Age Projects: Designing for Equity, Inquiry, Literacy Presenters: Suzie Boss, Myla Lee Overview: “From project launch until final showcase, decisions about project design, technology integration, and student choice shape the quality of the learning experience–both in person and via remote learning. We will analyze the anatomy of effective projects, emphasizing opportunities to amplify inquiry, equity and digital-age literacies in PBL.” Main Takeaways: PBL allows for collaboration, creativity, curiousity, connection, critical thinking, etc How can we amplify inquiry, equity, and digital-age literacies in… Read More
Safety, Security, & Student Data Privacy
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. 5 Questions for the Changing K-12 Cybersecurity Landscape Presenters: Amy Mandrier, Trent Redden Overview: “Hosted by AT&T. This panel discussion of cybersecurity experts explores how COVID-19 has changed the cybersecurity landscape on school campuses, identifies the top 3 cybersecurity risks for K-12, and details how to be better prepared before, during and after a cyber-attack.“ Main Takeaways: Top 3 cyber security risks identified as: 1. ransomware 2. phishing emails 3. DDoS attack Recommended that schools encrypt data, have a response plan, educate all users (staff… Read More
Equity & Inclusion
*This post has been written as part of my professional growth plan through my #ISTE20 scholarship. Why Digital Equity Matters Presenters: Dr. Desiree Alexander, Darren Bell, Patricia Brown, Keri Hennessy-Wilson, Matthew Hiefield, Carla Jefferson, Valerie Lewis, Dr. Michael Mills, Dr. Adam Phyall Overview: “As we reimagine and further define digital equity, there’s an increasing need for professional learning opportunities. We’ll facilitate a dialogue about the multiple dimensions of digital equity with the goal of determining actionable steps for K-12 campuses.“ Main Takeaways: *This was a challenging sessions to participate in the VOD format as the primary component of their session was… Read More