VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Patrick Hausammann

Two Things That Can Make or Break a Tech Coach

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Written by UnisonEDU founder and VSTE Board member, Patrick Hausammann. Connect with him at @PHausEDU on Twitter.

1. Empathy

The one thing that has made the biggest impact in building and maintaining relationships with teachers in my ed tech coaching role has been staying empathetic. My constant standby is to remember where I started out with ed tech and proceed from there. Always remembering that you once knew nearly nothing about the topics and how hard you’ve worked to become an expert can help you to relate to teachers at nearly any stage of technology integration.

There should never be a time when teachers feel a question they’ve asked is stupid, silly, or beneath you to answer. Each question should be fully listened to, clarified if needed, and investigated fully (as needed), and responded to with respect. When possible, be fully transparent and honest about how you discovered the answer and learned how to do the things you’re asked about. If you don’t know an answer or just discovered it, share that openly and thank the teacher for pushing you to continue learning and discovering.

I can assure you that starting at a high level with everyone, never differentiating, and not recapping the basics are all great ways to damage relationships and ensure you’re reaching and connecting with a small percentage of those you seek to assist.

Instead, begin every planning session you employ with an empathetic mindset reflecting on those you’ll be meeting with. 

Where is their expertise?

What have they requested?

What goals do they seek to achieve?

Finally, what scaffolds can you implement to help them each step of the way?

2. Credibility (knowledge & experience)

The second (and equally as important) element that can make or break an ed tech coach is credibility in the form of having both the knowledge and expertise to excel at technology integration and training. It is incredibly valuable if this experience is grounded in classroom teaching and learning. It can be hard for some teachers to relate to and find you credible if you’ve never taught and managed a classroom of your own. If you haven’t had this experience, you should advocate for taking over a teacher’s classroom for lessons and co-teaching as often as possible. Both of these teaching opportunities can cement your teaching experience and credibility for teachers.

In addition to having actual teaching experience, you should be the lifelong learner you implore your teachers to be. Your colleagues should know that you constantly seek opportunities to learn more to be able to better support their needs. Your knowledge and drive to continue learning should take you to learning connected to tech tools, technology integration, and best practices of teaching, learning, grading, and more. When teachers can clearly see that you’re not just a tech person, but a teacher as well (even primarily), your words and recommendations will be heeded much quicker and with more acceptance.

Activating the ActiVAtED Learning Podcast

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Written by Tom Landon, the Director of Educational Innovation at Blue Ridge PBS

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

When I was a kid I thought one day I’d like to be a disk jockey at a radio station, but after graduating with a degree in telecommunications and getting my first job working the console from midnight to six a.m. at KFMU, an album rock station in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I soon realized that the job was a lot less glamorous than I’d envisioned. It was a lot less like being Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati than I hoped (If you know, you know, and if you don’t, find an old episode of the show and watch it!) For one, it was pretty lonely sitting in a small soundproof room every night playing songs for the folks stocking shelves overnight at the Safeway, so I pivoted to video production, moving to Roanoke to work for a TV station and then an independent production company where I got to travel regularly, mostly producing ads and marketing videos for industrial clients, car dealers, and even cosmetic surgeons.

When that  company failed, and with the encouragement of my smart wife, I settled on teaching and went back to school to become a social studies teacher. It was the dawn of the computer age in education, and I quickly realized that my technical background was a huge benefit in the classroom. Since then I’ve had a varied career, working in education and media production. In 2021 I left Virtual Virginia where I’d been the Director of Instruction and returned to Blue Ridge PBS, where I’d had a summer internship in 1985 and been a K-12 Specialist from 2000-2007. My current job is a blend of production and education work, which is a perfect fit.

Last year I was part of a team from VSTE and VDOE that was tasked with creating a new podcast designed to put a spotlight on innovative uses of instructional technology while also elevating the profession of teaching. We spent several months deciding what we wanted the podcast to be, and in early December we recorded the first episode at the annual VSTE conference in Roanoke where we interviewed Blended Learning guru Dr. Catlin Tucker in front of more than a hundred attendees, and spent time recording short interviews with other folks in attendance. I can honestly say it’s been some of the most rewarding work of my career, and I’ve come to love the simplicity and intimacy that podcasts provide versus the complex nature of video production.

I had a lot of fun assembling a mobile podcast kit that holds an audio recorder, 4 microphones, mic stands, cables, and power cords. Because I work for a television station, I was able to source a lot of it from equipment at hand. It’s a little heavier than I’d like, and I’ll be making some modifications before we start on our second season, but overall it worked well.

This morning I edited the last episode of our 12 episode season. To record it I visited Suffolk Public Schools, where they host the SEAL Challenge, a collaboration with Penn State that allows kids to choose between submersible and land based robots and aerial drones to complete a highly complex task. The episode is emblematic of the series, which has featured award winning teachers, librarians who delivered books to students during the COVID summer using drones, a trailer converted to high tech lab in Washington County, and an ITRT who set up two Virtual Reality Labs in Bristol. Each episode is available by video on ECHO, a streaming channel of Blue ridge PBS focused on Education, Community, Health and Opportunity, as well as on the major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify.

So what did I learn this year? For one, that I missed the camaraderie and collaboration that comes with production work. The ActiVAtED Learning team provided great topics and guests and also gave me valuable feedback. I learned a ton of new technical skills. The podcast is recorded using a video camera synchronized to a 6 channel digital audio recorder. I edited the first season using Apple’s Final Cut Pro, but a coworker has convinced me to switch to a new application called Adobe Podcast for next year, so that’ll be another chance to build my technical skills. But probably the most important thing I learned was that I still love getting out of the office and meeting great educators. Now more than ever, teaching is hard, so I hope that ActiVAtED Learning accomplishes our goal of encouraging teachers not to give up - to look for new ways to stretch their brains and build their skillsets.


If you haven’t yet listened to ActiVAtED Learning,  give it a listen and if you like it, please follow and review at least one episode. You can find all of the shows by going on our website at https://www.blueridgepbs.org/educational-resources/activated-learning/

If you’ve got an idea for an episode for season 2 or questions about the production process, drop me a line at activatedlearning@blueridgepbs.org. Happy listening!

2024/2025 Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!

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Header image that says :Become a VSTE Certified Coach"

Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!

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.
  • 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.
  • Approach technology integration from a learning objective first mindset.

 

VSTE Certified Coach LogoOver the past year, hundreds of Virginia coaches have joined the VCC and VSTE is developing 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 May 17th, 2024.

VCC Application Link  (bit.ly/VCCappSpring24)

 

 

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 August or 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 must 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 May 17th, and all applicants will be notified on or before May 24th 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 the VSTE Certified Coaching Coordinator at VCC@vste.org.

 

 

SWVA Can Code!

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written by VSTE Board Member Heather Askea (heatheraskea@vste.org, @Haskea)

What happens when you put an idea together with an innovative idea with a proven curriculum and powerful partnerships?  AWESOMENESS!   That is how SWVA Can Code was born!

SWVA Can Code is a program that encourages 5th to 12th graders to create and develop web applications that aim to solve important problems or take advantage of opportunities within their communities. This regional initiative provides an opportunity for young students to engage in the process of designing and prototyping these apps. By participating in this program, students can contribute to their communities and make a positive impact through technology. The program empowers students to identify challenges or opportunities in their communities and find innovative solutions through coding. SWVA Can Code provides valuable web development skills and fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among young minds.  Built on Apple’s Everyone Can Code framework, SWVA Can Code was heavily inspired by Montgomery Can Code (MD) and DC Can Code.  But as lead organizer for this initiative, I knew that Southwest Virginia was going to have to take a different approach to bring this to life.

The key vision for this project was to engage students in learning skills that could propel them into a potential STEM career. Coding was the main focus with web application development being the creative component of each camp.  The pitch part of the camp fostered collaboration and communication skills often a struggle for students. The focus on creating an app that addressed a local challenge or opportunity supported students’ understanding that they can solve problems through creative uses of technology applications.

The project was developed through partnerships with K12, Higher Education, community, industry, and government partners, and Apple Education.  UVAWISE’s STREAMWISE Outreach Program serves as the coordinating entity organizing training for camp personnel, curriculum, and logistics planning support, and also providing access to extra devices as needed.  Partnering school districts and higher education and community organizations provide funding for camp personnel, camp materials, and support for food and transportation as needed through their summer learning programs.  Our industry and government partners provide support through service as local camp showcase judges, regional showcase judges, and provide additional funding support for the regional showcase. Apple Education supports the project through logistics, support meetings, and training for camp leaders and technical staff, and through support from their strategic initiatives team, K12 and Higher Ed solutions teams, and from Apple Marketing and Professional Learning.

To ensure equitable access for any student wishing to participate, camps are provided free of charge to students and many schools utilize summer learning funds for transportation and meal support. The key aspect of all camps is the focus on creative solutions for challenges identified within the local communities.  In 2023, students created apps that addressed mental health, physical health, social disconnects, town and area beautification efforts, tourism, food instability, etc.

One of the best outcomes from the inaugural year of the initiative was seeing our winners continue to grow.  Giles County students Ava and Cooper continue to work on their app, “Calm It” which was developed to help students who struggle with anxiety.  After winning the regional pitchfest held at UVAWISE on August 1, 2023, they have gone on to present at the Appalachian Council for Innovation’s Annual Gala, the Virginia Society for Education’s Annual Kid’s Talks at the annual conference held in Roanoke, VA, as well as numerous appearances at school board meetings and other community events.  They were even featured in a recent webinar hosted by VSTE’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Ava and Cooper, the creators of the “Calm It” app
Ava and Cooper, the creators of the “Calm It” app

Going forward into our second year, SWVA Can Code is growing!  We are expanding our camps into SWVA proper with camps in Montgomery and Floyd counties.  We are also expanding to include a high school division.  Our training opportunities are also more focused on SWIFT UI and getting students beyond the prototyping stage and closer to producing an app that could someday be in the Apple App Store!  If you would like to learn more about SWVA Can Code or join the initiative check out https://swvacancode.com/ or contact me at haskea@uvawise.edu .

Vote Now! VSTE Board of Directions Election Open!

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IT IS TIME TO VOTE for the VSTE Board of Directors!! 

Voting is open NOW through April 26, 2024! Please select 1 candidate for each region. You will need to log-in to the member site to have access to the page with the ballot.  You must be a member in good standing at least 10 days prior to the start of the election to be eligible to vote.

Once on the election page hover over each candidate's photo card to view their name and information.