VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Patrick Hausammann

Unleashing Creativity: Dive into the Hour of Code this Computer Science Education Week! (December 4-8, 2023)

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Fellow educators and digital trailblazers, as we gear up to celebrate the first birthday of ChatGPT, let's not forget to infuse that spirit of innovation into our classrooms. And what better way to do it than by diving headfirst into the exhilarating world of coding and artificial intelligence during Computer Science Education Week/ Hour of Code!

The Hour of Code: More Than Just One Hour

Imagine a movement that began with a simple one-hour coding challenge and transformed into a global phenomenon that transcends age, expertise, and geography. That's the magic of the Hour of Code – a celebration, a learning extravaganza, and a rallying cry for equity in education. And guess what? This year's shindig is powered by over 400 partners, 20,000 educators, and a whopping 58,000 volunteers. Talk about a coding party of epic proportions!

Whether you're a coding maestro or someone who's just testing the waters, the Hour of Code invites everyone to join in on the coding fiesta. And the best part? Zip, zilch, nada experience required! It's a digital playground where anyone, anywhere can dip their toes into the wonders of coding and AI.

Why Should We Care About Computer Science?

Now, you might be wondering, why all the hype around computer science? Well, buckle up, because computer science is the secret sauce transforming every industry on the planet. It's not just about future jobs; it's about nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills that are crucial for any career path in the 21st century.

And here's the kicker – computing occupations are not just the fastest-growing; they're also the best-paying jobs and the largest sector for all new wages in the US. So, when we say every child deserves a shot at success, we mean it! In the state of Virginia, there are currently thousands of computer science related jobs that are going unfilled because we don’t have enough people in the workforce that have computer science training or education.

Student Engagement: Where Fun Meets Learning

Recent surveys spill the beans – students LOVE computer science! In the realm of classes that students adore, computer science and engineering are right up there, trailing only behind performing arts, art, and design. The Hour of Code taps into this infectious enthusiasm, turning learning into an adventure with activities featuring beloved characters from Minecraft, Star Wars, Disney's Frozen, Angry Birds, and Plants vs. Zombies.

 

Beyond the Hour of Code: Making It Stick

Now, the Hour of Code isn't a one-and-done deal. It's an open invitation to infuse lasting change into our schools. Don't limit coding to just an hour – weave high-quality computer science into your curriculum and consider hopping on board professional development workshops. Let's not just ride the coding wave; let's make it a permanent fixture in our schools!

Mark Your Calendars: December 4-8, 2023

The Hour of Code isn't just a random day on the calendar; it's an annual global event celebrated during Computer Science Education Week. And guess what? This year's coding extravaganza is all set to take place from December 4-8, 2023. So, clear your schedules, rally the troops, and get ready to embark on a digital journey that promises to be nothing short of epic!

Flexibility and Ease: Start Anytime, Anywhere

And here's the best part – the Hour of Code is all about flexibility and ease. While traditionally celebrated during Computer Science Education Week, you're not confined to dates. Start your Hour of Code event whenever it fits into your school calendar. No need for event registrations – just jump in and let the coding adventure begin!

Conclusion: Let's Ignite the Digital Spark!

As we celebrate ChatGPT's first year, let's channel that same spirit of innovation into our classrooms. The Hour of Code isn't just an event; it's a movement that empowers educators, inspires students, and paves the way for a future where digital literacy is a fundamental skill. Join us in unleashing the potential within every learner, one line of code at a time.

Ready to dive in? Head over to HourOfCode.com and let the coding adventure begin!

 

Fara T. Faust is an Instructional Technology Specialist with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, a CodeVA facilitator, and Director on the VSTE Board of Directors. She can be reached at farafaust@vste.org.

 

Virginia Speak Up Survey

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From the Office of Educational Technology & Classroom Innovation newsletter from the VA Department of Education.

Project Tomorrow Speak Up logo

Virginia Speak Up Survey is available now!

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has partnered with Project Tomorrow to administer surveys in the areas of educational technology. The Virginia Speak Up surveys are a semi-customized set of questions for students, educators, administrators, and parents. Schools and districts will be able to access their own data for planning purposes. Speak Up is an annual research project conducted by Project Tomorrow, a national education nonprofit group that collects and reports on the views of K-12 students, teachers, administrators, and parents on education and technology.

To get started with the Virginia Speak Up, designate a local school division Virginia Speak Up administrator who will register with Project Tomorrow. Once the administrator has completed the form, the Speak Up team will email customized links for the school division’s schools. We have developed a virtual welcome packet including general information about the project, instructions for the surveys, ideas for how you can use your data, promotional materials to help you spread the word about the project to your school(s), and more. Surveys are available from October 26th, 2023, to January 31, 2024. If you are new to Speak Up, we hope this webpage helps answer any questions you may have.

Questions may be directed to Calypso Gilstrap, Associate Director, by phone at (804) 750-8708 or via email at Calypso.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov in the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation.

DEI Committee Webinar to Prep. for an Amazing VSTE Experience!

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Attend an amazing VSTE DEI Committee webinar with panelists that will help all Reach The Peak: Leveraging VSTE For Your Professional Growth at the 2023 VSTE Conference.  REGISTER HERE!

VSTE DEI Logo

The VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee extend an invitation to attend an amazing webinar with panelists that will help all Reach The Peak: Leveraging VSTE For Your Professional Growth at the 2023 VSTE Conference.  Watch the recording!

 

Big Deal Book, November 15, 2023

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VSTE partners with Big Deal Media to bring you carefully curated resources designed for K-12 educators. Grants, competitions, web-based and mobile resources and more. We select our favorites from each newsletter but be sure to scroll down and view the whole newsletter. And, since not all the Big Deal Book resources are time sensitive, we provide an archive for you to browse.

This newsletter will help you with Native Voices, Civic Engagement, eSports Coaching & More...

 

SPOTLIGHT! On Indigenous and Native Voices

November is Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Students can celebrate the heritage and cultures of these peoples by listening to and learning from Indigenous and Native voices from across the continent. They can learn about the diverse experiences of Native Americans and Alaska Natives with this collection of documentaries from PBS.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Editing Visual Media and Generating Text

Canva, known for its cloud-based graphic design tools, has introduced Classroom Magic, a version of its AI-powered Magic Studio for teachers and students in the education technology sector. With features such as “Magic Write” and “Magic Animate,” Classroom Magic enhances classroom experiences by using AI to help students and educators save time and boost creativity.

 

All-in-One eSports Coaching Software

eGame Studio, a live-streaming and esports software company, has launched Game Lens, a browser-based tool that helps esports coaches guide players from remote locations.

 

Practical Examples for Enhancing Cybersecurity in Under-Resourced Districts

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has launched a cybersecurity resource focused on small, rural, and under-resourced school districts. Developed by SETDA’s Cybersecurity & Privacy Collaborative, the publication is designed to identify essential resources, assess state-level K–12 cybersecurity advocacy initiatives, and craft policy recommendations to enhance cybersecurity readiness within these districts.

 

 

The Archives

Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!

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Header image that says :Become a VSTE Certified Coach"

Join the fastest growing network of certified coaches in Virginia!  The VSTE Certified Coach program (#VCC) is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 cohorts.  This program was created by VSTE to provide a custom professional learning experience for instructional coaches that allows them to collaborate in cohorts while learning the art of coaching.  The VCC curriculum is aligned with the ISTE standards for coaching and has been developed in partnership with Forward Edge, an Ohio based company that specializes in instructional coaching.  Although originally developed with EdTech Coaches in mind, the VCC program is open to all instructional coaches in Virginia.

All coaches who complete the VCC program will:

  • Have a clear understanding of their role as an educational technology coach.
  • Think systematically about the role their coaching program plays in larger district goals and initiatives.
  • Approach technology integration from a learning objective first mindset.
  • Be prepared to incorporate formal coaching cycles into their coaching program.
  • Create and market professional learning experiences founded in andragogical best practices that are personalized, memorable, and lead to classroom implementation.
  • Possess a strong skill set for building relationships and deepening coaching conversations with educators.
  • Utilize data to make informed decisions about their work as a coach and the needs of educators they support.

 

VSTE Certified Coach LogoOver the past year, hundreds of Virginia coaches have joined the VCC and VSTE has developed the VCC Professional Learning Network to provide continued support, professional collaboration, and opportunities for growth to all VSTE Certified Coaches.  You can become a part of this amazing PLN by applying for one of the 2024-2025 VCC cohorts.  Act fast - applications close on December 15th, 2024.

VCC Application Link  (bit.ly/VCCapp2024)

 

 

The VCC Application Details

Interested coaches will need to determine which cohort they wish to register for based on their experience and availability.  There are three VCC cohort options for the 2024 VCC Application: spring semester, fall semester, and full year.  The spring semester cohorts will run from January through May and will meet twice each month. The fall semester cohorts will run from August through December and will meet twice each month.  The full year cohorts will run from  September through May and will meet once every month. Newer coaches are recommended to register for the full year cohorts in order to allow more time between learning experience to grow their practice, but all applicants can indicate their preference within the registration form.

Interested coaches will need to fully understand the expectations of the VCC program and should obtain approval from a direct supervisor.  There will be meeting times that will occur during regular working hours, and there is an expectation that participating coaches will commit to the meeting times and participate during those sessions.  In order for candidates to be successful, supervisors will need to be supportive of a coach’s participation and made aware that there is a cost of $300 per participant associated with the VCC program.

The 2024 VCC Application Deadline is December 15th, and all applicants will be notified on or before January 5th of their acceptance.  The first meeting of each cohort will be announced in advance, and subsequent meeting times will be determined by a cohort poll.  Arrangements for the payment of $300 must be made prior to the first cohort meeting.  Divisions interested in hosting a division-wide cohort should contact Rod Carnill, VSTE Executive Director.

 

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