This panel discussion will highlight our student run technology help desk that was proposed two years ago as a new course to help support the 1:1 iPad initiative. Attendees will learn the steps needed to build a student technology help desk course, how to build the curriculum to align with common core standards, and receive a first hand account of our course from our students. Attendees will leave this session with a comprehensive understanding of how to find in house resources to support a large scale 1:1 initiative, how to integrate a student technology help desk, and how to use students as a resource for professional development.
Rockland Public Schools has over the last five years managed to dramatically improve both its technology infrastructure and hardware and its technology integration and professional development using a diverse number of funding sources and without additional staffing or appropriation. This workshop will trace our path and hopefully give other districts strategies that will enable them to reach the similar goals.
Transforming the book-centric school library into a technology-rich learning center is a crucial step in transitioning students and faculty to the Common Core and 21st century, skills-based learning. The philosophy of the learning commons, steps in transitioning, using a data-centered approach to evaluate skills, and pro-active planning for the future will be covered. Strategies in assessing vendors for digital content and e-books will be included in planning for the future.
Creating a 21st Century learning environment that is student centered requires new visions and meaningful collaboration. How do superintendents and principals play an active part in setting the vision in your district and school and enabling a digital conversion? Of all the challenges you face as an education leader, technology leadership may be the one that leaves you feeling the most unprepared, uncertain, and vulnerable. You are not alone and there is help available from the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). In this session we will explore the resources included in the Revised Superintendents Toolkit developed by the CoSN. Learn more about the Teaming for Transformation initiative that focuses on Leading a Digital Conversion for Student Learning.
Explore how technology, smartphones/tablets/computers, can increase student engagement and promote social learning. Discuss ways today’s tech tools facilitate collaboration and foster critical thinking in diverse learning environments. Hear examples of how leveraging thoughtful social networks and access to models of rich academic discourse encourage students to read and write more.
The Reading Public Schools has been piloting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative in Grade 7-12 classrooms since January. This workshop will examine the challenges and opportunities that teachers and administrators have faced in piloting this initiative, including, examples of how it is being implemented in the classroom.
Utilizing the Discovery Education TechBook and other digital resources enables teachers to create a 21st Century learning environment. The workshop explores and provides ways of using digital media to engage learners in student-centered inquiry-based science instruction.
