VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Blog

ActiVAtED Learning Podcast is LIVE!

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The VSTE Education Committee is excited to share the new ActiVAtED Learning, a new Podcast produced by Blue Ridge PBS in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education and in collaboration with the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. In each episode, host Tom Landon, Director of Educational Innovation for Blue Ridge PBS, talks to leading educators about what gets them energized and excited as we tell stories of using technology to inspire student engagement.

The inaugural season will feature conversations with national leaders in blended learning, award winning teachers, librarians, and guests from the Virginia Department of Education and VSTE. Recorded on location around the Commonwealth and in the Blue Ridge PBS podcast studio, the season kicks off with a conversation recorded live at the 2023 VSTE Conference with Dr. Catlin Tucker, noted educator, author, and nationally recognized expert on blended learning and proponent of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the classroom.

The 12-episode season launched January 17 with new episodes adding every two weeks.   To learn more about the podcast, click here. You can subscribe to the podcast here or on ECHO.

VSTE DEI Presents (2-21-24): Student Innovators: Merging Technology with Social-Emotional Education Through App Design

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VSTE DEI Logo

In a world where technology continues to shape our daily lives, it is crucial to empower and encourage our students, especially girls to step into the realm of innovation. As I reflect on my book with Adam Welcome "Empower our Girls," I am always excited whenever I encounter young people who are an inspiration and aspire to make their mark in the tech industry.

I know first-hand the transformative power of education and self-empowerment. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges but found solace and inspiration in technology, especially as a young teacher. In my years as an educator and VSTE board member I have encountered others who are determined to break barriers, using technology as a tool to empower not only themselves but also the students they encounter along the way.

What's truly exciting and encouraging for me is the emergence of a generation that actively addresses social and emotional issues. During our recent conference we met some amazing young girls who are taking the lead in fostering supportive communities, advocating for equality, and inspiring change. They are not just passive recipients of technology but active participants, shaping its future, making magic happen.

The equity committee invites you to join an upcoming webinar where you can meet some incredible girls, Cooper and Ava, who are making waves in the tech industry. These young trailblazers are not just breaking stereotypes; they are rewriting the narrative and changing the game for their peers. The webinar promises to be a platform for insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the power that comes from empowering our students in technology. Register now for the 2-21-24 event!

By fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, we pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future where every student is encouraged to speak up, share their ideas, and shape the world of technology.

 

Common Sense Education Resource Share – January 10, 2024

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An image of students working on laptops in a classroom. A Common Sense Education text overlay appears in the top right of the graphic."Common Sense is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all kids thrive in a world of media and technology. They support pre-K–12 schools with lesson plans, edtech reviews, family resources, and everything else students need to thrive in a connected world." Below is a custom set of resources pulled from this month's newest updates! Check them out via the links and explore even more at www.commonsense.org/education. VSTE is proud to partner with Common Sense Education.

For Teachers:

For Parents & Caregivers:

 

All Resources via Common Sense Education

All VSTE Posts of Common Sense Education Resources

Educators: Earn PD credit for FREE with TeachersFirst (1/2024)

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4 reasons to attend our free virtual workshops.

Free, Hands-on PD from TeachersFirst

 

Did you know you can earn relicensure credit for free online?

TeachersFirst provides certificates to Virginia educators who fully participate in our live OK2Ask virtual workshops. In addition to earning credit, here are four great reasons to make TeachersFirst your first stop for professional learning:

  1. It’s free, and so are the tools we cover in our workshops! TeachersFirst is provided by a nonprofit, so educators never pay for our OK2Ask professional learning offerings.
  2. Leave with practical, easy-to-implement strategies and tools you can use with your students right away.
  3. Get hands-on guided practice with tech tools and get your questions answered by our experienced edtech coaches!
  4. It’s suitable for teachers at every technology comfort level. Whether you’re new to teaching with technology or a seasoned pro, OK2Ask has something for you.

Ready to get started? Join us this winter for interactive sessions about tools for digital reading, Sway student projects, AI tools, and more!

Register Now

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Looking for more free professional learning opportunities?
Sign up for our OK2Ask email list to receive announcements and reminders!

Access Granted: Accessibility for All Students

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The Issue

One of the rising needs in school communities is student accessibility. To be clear, this is not something that is new, Accessibility has always been a law, a need, and a necessity within an educational environment. However, within the last few years, the needs in many districts throughout the commonwealth have grown and the struggles of teacher shortages, lack of proper staff training and onboarding, and even chronic absenteeism, have all taken the focus off what is most important in the educational system, the student.

What to do/Who can help?

When we look at combating these issues, there is no simple solution, but there are ways to help with student success. By looking at ways to improve student motivation, educators need to ensure that the students have everything they need first and only then, can they start to look to set up exciting, engaging, and  innovative lessons. There are so many great lessons out there, and so many ideas for modifying the lessons that will help support all learners, but the biggest issue that many educators battle with is that stubborn beast that just can't help but get in the way, Time. Having time to create the scaffolds and modifying the lessons to ensure appropriate strategies does not have to be a burden. Look to your support team for help. It doesn't have to be a lone battle of you vs time. Use your team of fellow teachers, coaches, and even administrators who can help support student success.

Where to start:

Look to start simple, targeted, and clear. Use the ADA website for guidance found here.

Images: Add images to your presentations. Using tech tools like Canva and Adobe Express will allow you to create accessible lessons that can both educate and engage.

Fonts and Colors: Choose fonts that are ADA approved and colors that do not cause eye strain.

Extensions, Add-ons, and more: Check with your tech coaches to see what accessible extensions are available in your district for students to use when they need them. Some examples would be, Microsoft Immersive Reader, Snap-n-Read, Mote, Audacity, other Video Recording software, Nearpod, Discovery Education, etc...

Look to see what works best for your students and ask yourself these 3 questions before you implement your lesson or idea:

  1. Is it accessible to all my students?
  2. Is there any technology that needs to be used and is it available and cleared by my district?
  3. Who can I go to for help if I need it?

Wrapping It Up:

Asking questions and learning how to make lessons accessible only enhances your learning as an educator. It starts with a simple thought: Do I know my students and do I know what they need? If you take into account, from the very beginning of who your students are and how you know they can succeed, you open up the door to access their true potential.

Ryan Champney

Instructional Technology

Spotsylvania County Public Schools

rchampney@spotsylvania.k12.va.us | @champtech17