VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

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New EdTech Reels Episode – Classroomscreen!

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Check out the New #VSTEEdTechReel episode on Using @ClassroomScreen to Promote Engagement and Focus created by @cehynden82!

Using Classroom Screen to Promote Engagement and Focus

From the Classroomscreen website:

With Classroomscreen you've got all the classroom tools at your fingertips. Whether you need a timer or would like to show your instructions, Classroomscreen has a variety of features that support your class activities, stimulate engagement, and help your students get to work. Widgets include text, timer, poll, group maker, sounds level, and more!

Power of Coaching Conference

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Power of Coaching conference Promo Graphic

Register - February 6-7, Williamsburg, VA

Click HERE to reserve your room to get the discounted price!

The schedule is live!

VASCD and VSTE are teaming up to bring to Virginia educators a coaching conference to unpack the power of coaching!

In this two-day conference, participants will gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively serve in the role of instructional coach. As more and more schools bring coaches as part of their staff and as the role of ITRT shifts from resource teacher to coach, this is a much-needed conference for building capacity and for developing strong networks of coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors across the Commonwealth.

Join us for an amazing chance to learn, teach, lead, and connect!

  • Instruction: Teaching and learning are the core business of schools, and the coach’s chief role is to improve and support instruction in the classroom. Sessions in the INSTRUCTION strand provide coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors with practical applications to support the role of improving instruction.
  • Relationships: The relationship between the coach and school leaders is a critical one for improving student learning outcomes. Sessions in the RELATIONSHIPS strand focus on strengthening the partnership between coach and school leader, data literacy, strategic planning, and roles and responsibilities of coaches and administrative teams.
  • Leadership: Working with teachers and leaders is another key function of instructional coaches, and this is a different set of skills when compared to working with students. Sessions in the LEADERSHIP strand will build participants’ capacity for differentiated support when working with individuals, teams, and/or large groups with a heavy emphasis on research-based development, effective professional learning strategies, and adult learning theory.

Day 1:

  • General Session Keynote and Workshop (Eric Sheninger)
  • Lunch and Networking
  • Two concurrent choice sessions
  • General Session Keynote (Kim Richardson)

Day 2:

  • Two concurrent choice sessions
  • General Session Keynote (Matt Mingle)

COST: $325

 

 

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. See the whole newsletter & subscribe on this website.

This newsletter will help you with Global Holiday Music, Hour of Code, Digital Children’s Books & More...

 

Holiday Music from Around the Globes

The holiday season is upon us, and festive songs are filling the airwaves everywhere we go. Most of those songs are popular hits such as “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “White Christmas.” But many holiday songs we hear don’t reflect the wide variety of wintery tunes streaming in other parts of the world. The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, reminds us of the diverse cultures and traditions that exist in other countries.

 

SPOTLIGHT! On AI Tools to Enhance Classroom Experiences

The landscape is rapidly evolving for artificial intelligence (AI) experiences in the K–12 setting. While AI is advancing, it is still growing and finding ways to be implemented safely and accurately. Here are a few examples to help educators untangle the complex web of free and freemium AI tools.

 

Hour of Code—With or Without AI

Your class or group can join millions around the world participating in the Hour of Code, a free introduction to computer science through engaging activities and videos for learners of all skill levels. The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org and driven by a coalition of partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the College Board.

 

Digital Library of Children’s Books for Online and Offline Reading

Let’s Read promotes reading skills and presents books by local authors and illustrators that are available in many underrepresented languages, as well as English. Teachers, parents, and children can enjoy reading the engaging and colorful storybooks in the free Let’s Read digital library.

 

 

The Archives

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.