VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

Online Events

A Forward-Thinking Approach: How Virginia Beach City Public Schools Empower Students to Thrive Amidst Cell Phone Bans and Responsible Tech Use

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On November 13, VSTE partnered with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) and The Social Institute for a dynamic webinar, "A Forward-Thinking Approach: How Virginia Beach City Public Schools Empower Students to Thrive Amidst Cell Phone Bans and Responsible Tech Use" that covered important topics about cell phones in schools and Virginia's new "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban. Jennifer Clements and Charlie Hinsch, who are Instructional Technology Coordinators at VBCPS, joined Laura Tierney,  Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, to talk about some big challenges schools were facing related to cell phones and social media, like overwhelming notifications, TikTok challenges, and even behaviors like vaping in school bathrooms.

To address these challenges, VBCPS, implemented stricter cell phone rules, even before the state-wide ban, that require students to keep their devices in their backpacks during class. While these rules have been helpful, Clements and Hinsch pointed out that it can be hard for teachers, who often feel torn between enforcing phone restrictions and teaching students how to use technology responsibly. Instead of just banning phones, VBCPS teamed up with The Social Institute to take a positive and proactive approach to empowering students to make high-character decisions as they navigate technology, like cell phones. Through #WinAtSocial, The Social Institute's gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, VBCPS students learn from each other about making positive choices online, helping them build healthy tech habits without feeling restricted.

A big part of this strategy is involving students directly. Through #WinAtSocial, students can share their experiences anonymously, giving teachers a better understanding of what students face online. With this approach, VBCPS hopes to not only tackle tech challenges but also to empower students with the skills to make positive decisions online. Their goal is to build a school culture where students feel encouraged to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly.

Free Resources:

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.

 

Join Us for Supporting Educators’ EdTech Selection and Implementation Webinar

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If you are interested in using evidence in your technology decisions, this is the webinar for you! Join us for the Thursday, January 26th at 4:00 webinar Supporting Educators' EdTech Selection and Implementation.

The EdTech Evidence Exchange will go over information on gathering timely evidence from your educators. In 30 minutes you will hear about a partnership between the VDOE Office of STEM and the EdTech Evidence Exchange that pays Virginia mathematics-involved educators to offer their insights into how technology is working (or not working) for them. Your data are available instantly in an online platform, in time for budget justifications and decisions, and will support ongoing implementation decisions.

Register to attend!

Seas the Day: Limited Time for Super Early Bird Pricing

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Super Early Bird Registration for the VSTE Annual Conference ends on September 30th.

 

Super Early Bird is the best pricing for conference attendees but the savings will not last. Prices increase on October 1st for the full conference, multi-day, and single-day registrations for the annual conference.

 

Visit vsteconference.org and register today!

Join VSTE For Some Early Summer Fun

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logo for go open va

On June 16, 2022, at 7 PM, Jean Weller, leader of the GoOpenVA initiative at Virginia Department of Education,  will tell the thrilling tale of how open education resources and Creative Commons joined forces to defeat the enemies of creativity and teacher empowerment. It has a happy ending!

It’s time for a quick refresher in how copyright impacts education and the essentials you need to know, ESPECIALLY if you haven’t taken a session on copyright since the world went digital. Then we’ll talk about the open education movement and the use of alternative copyright schemas for those interested in supporting freedom of creativity but still mindful of the creator’s rights of ownership. This is a worldwide movement that encompasses museums and archives as well as higher education and K-12. Finally, we’ll take a look at how #GoOpenVA ensures Virginia educators have the opportunity to learn from each other in a space that enthusiastically encourages sharing, not “stealing.”

This event is free but registration is required. 

Register in advance for this copyright meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.