Virginia Society for Technology in Education
In the first of two March 2021 editions of the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Webinar, Amy Jackson discusses how to maintain calm, transparency, and control during times of technological difficulties. Amy currently works for a small school district in Central Virginia and is the co-chair of the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
The webinar is hosted by Charles Randolph.
Our next edition will be on Wednesday, March 17 at 12:30.
In the February 2021 edition of the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Webinar, Charlotte Morris talks about how educators can include diversity and equity principles in their learning content. Charlotte is an instructional designer of graduate courses in the College of Professional Studies at George Washington University.
The webinar is hosted by Charles Randolph.
Tomorrow, February 24, at 12:30 pm the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will host a webinar on incorporating Diversity and Equity principles in your learning content. One of our mentors, Charolette Morris, will facilitate this webinar.
In this webinar, you’ll learn about:
Charlotte Morris is an Instructional Designer with the College of Professional Studies at The George Washington University. Join us at 12:30 tomorrow as she shares insight into how to incorporate Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) principles in your learning content.
If you would like to attend this webinar, email vstedei@vste.org to receive a link to the Zoom room.
Are you feeling isolated and alone about your teaching experiences in your digital classroom? Join us for a FREE virtual collaboration event to learn together and RISE above the challenges of teaching in (and after) a pandemic.
RISE Online OER UnConference
February 25, 2021
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm (EST)
Be a part of an exciting collaborative UnConference led by North Carolina and Virginia to celebrate the 10th annual 2021 Digital Learning Day. Both states have sites for openly-licensed digital resources (OER), where teachers can connect, grow and share.
We are inviting educators from all grade levels,content areas, and educational roles, giving you a chance to connect with colleagues who have similar concerns and interests.
The theme of our UnConference is “Rise”, one of the monthly themes from Digital Learning Day. The afternoon will focus on sharing which materials, strategies and tools helped you, your fellow educators, and your students “Rise” in 2020.
Come to give and come to get as we celebrate how Digital Learning and sharing openly licensed resources can truly help educators not only reinvent, but rather rise above challenges.
Register HERE for free by 5:00 pm EST on February 24th!
Pre-work
We’re so glad to have you register for the NC/VA UnConference on February 25th - the 10th annual Digital Learning Day. This UnConference will include discussion about OER - openly licensed resources. Please watch this video on “What is OER?” and then comment on this Padlet about “Which R most relates to how you use digital learning resources?”. Then watch either the GoOpenNC video if you’re from NC or the GoOpenVA video if you’re from VA.
RISE OER UnConference Google Site
VSTE is pleased to partner with Sylvia Martinez and Gary Stager to present The micro:bit micro Project Academy, a STEM hands-on learning opportunity. Sylvia and Gary will lead participants in a five-week exploration of the BBC micro:bit, a platform for exploring powerful ideas in computer science, electronics, engineering, and mathematics. The course will synchronous sessions with Sylvia and Gary, weekly "micro projects" and a collaborative virtual space for ongoing collaboration, inspiration, and support between classes. Participants will be encouraged to inspire, challenge, and support one another.
The course will run from February 23 - March 23, 2021. Live sessions will be held Tuesdays at 7:00 PM and be recorded.
Each participant will receive two micro:bit Go kits, including the microcontroller development board, USB cable, batteries, and battery box along with other supplies including alligator clips and LED lights. Reference materials, project prompts, and tutorials will be be distributed electronically.
Cost for the course is $75. Registration is open now through February 12. The course is limited to 50 participants.
In addition to exploring electronics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering topics through hands-on activities, the course will discuss pedagogical choices and approaches to project-based learning. Participants will learn by tackling a series of open-ended projects and share their experiences with the community.
Specific topics:
Audience is K-12 educators. Basic computer operations are assumed. No specific prior knowledge is necessary.
About the course designers/leaders
Gary Stager, Ph.D. is a journalist, teacher educator, consultant, professor, software developer, publisher, and school administrator. An elementary teacher by training, he has taught students from preschool through doctoral studies. In 1990, Dr. Stager led professional development in the world’s first laptop schools and played a major role in the early days of online education. Gary is the founder of the Constructing Modern Knowledge summer institute for educators.
Dr. Stager’s work has earned a Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education and he collaborated on a project that won a Grammy Award. Recently, Gary was invited by Fondazione Reggio Children to lead a public seminar on education in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Sylvia Martinez is a former aerospace engineer and co-author of the book, Invent to Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom, called “the bible of the classroom maker movement.” Sylvia speaks to and works with schools around the world and is president of Constructing Modern Knowledge Press, creating books and professional development advocating using modern technology for learning. Sylvia is also principal advisor to the Columbia University FabLearn Fellows, a research group of global educators sharing hands-on, minds-on projects and curriculum. She also led educational non profits and headed product development for consumer software, video games, and educational games at several software publishing companies.
Martinez started her career as an electrical engineer designing high frequency receiver systems and software for the GPS navigational satellite system. She holds a master’s in educational technology and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering.
