The Oct. 6 conference centered around digital learning competencies open to current students, alumni and area educators.
On Saturday, Oct. 6, the School of Education hosted a conference centered around digital learning competencies open to current students, alumni and area educators.
To kick-off the conference, 60 participants engaged in activities to explore strategies for purposeful planning and reflection using the TPACK (Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge) and SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) frameworks. Lisa Thompson, curriculum specialist for elementary literacy for the Alamance-Burlington School system, presented to K-5 educators. Leslie Carriker, curriculum specialist for science and social studies for the Alamance-Burlington School System, co-presented with Allison Bryan, director of curriculum resources center at Elon, to 6-12 educators.
Participants had an opportunity to choose four different sessions to attend throughout the day in addition to time spent in the digital playground. Sessions offered to participants were:
Assistive Technology (AT) Supports for Reading and Writing across the Curriculum
Pat Byers, Alamance-Burlington Schools assistive technology lead
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
This session provided participants with free/low-cost assistive technologies (including Chrome apps/extensions, iPad apps, websites, and more) that help struggling readers and writers access their curriculum. Lecture, demonstration, and resource lists provided participants with the knowledge to provide appropriate AT supports for their students. A ‘make-and-take’ was included.
Canvas in the Classroom
Windy Lampson, art teacher, Graham High School
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
Participants were introduced to the basic functions of using Canvas Learning Management System and learned how using Canvas in the classroom can assist with differentiated learning as well as making the teacher’s life easier. They had the opportunity to create an assignment, build a quiz or easily make a discussion board for their students.
Edtech Tools for Your Secondary Classroom
Dayson Pasion, academic coach, Graham Middle School
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
In this session attendees explored edtech tools that elevated their learning and instruction. Some tools featured were Flipgrid, Slack, and Coggle. Participants left with a resource bank of tech tools that they will be able to use with their students and colleagues.
Elementary 2.0 Web Tools
Stephanie Yarboro, teacher, Grove Park Elementary School
Melissa Madison, teacher, Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
Elementary 2.0 Web Tools showcased easy-to-use tech tools to boost student engagement. These tech tools can be used in any subject area. This session gave a preview of Padlet, Flipgrid and Pear Deck. Participants received a resource of other tech tools that can easily be used in the classroom.
Google Classroom
Daniel Flack, teacher, Alexander Wilson Elementary School
Molly Ellington, teacher, Alexander Wilson Elementary School
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
The session on Google Classroom showed how Google Classroom can be used to embed technology in an individualized way that enhances student learning.
Not Your Mama’s Digital Teaching
Leslie Carriker, ABSS Curriculum Specialist for Science and Social Studies
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Leadership in Digital Learning, Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
In this session participants impacted their current practice as they gained awareness and collaborated around the digital teaching and learning competencies.
SMART Boards Are Not Just Projectors
Erica Taylor, teacher, Pleasant Grove Elementary School
Alignment to Teacher DLCs: Content & Instruction, Data & Assessment, Digital Citizenship
This session focused on how to effectively integrate the interactive component of SMART Notebook software.
The School of Education and CATL sponsored the conference. Organizers included Allison Bryan, director of curriculum resources center and Erin Hone, lecturer in education.