VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

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Two Virginia Education Leaders Receive VSTE ‘Making It Happen’ Award

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Dr. Pam Moran, Superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools, and Dr. Jan Streich, Executive Director of Learning and Organizational Development of Stafford County Public Schools, were honored with the coveted Making IT Happen jacket for their contributions to the successful integration of technology in education in K−12 schools. The Making IT Happen award is provided by the International Society for Technology in Education, of which the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) is an affiliate.

The Making IT Happen program has made a commitment to work with state and national organizations to identify individuals who are truly Making IT Happen within their respective state or region and to recognize them publicly.

photograph of pam moran

Dr. Pam Moran has served as the Superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools since January 2006. Under her leadership, Albemarle has been ranked in the top five of all school divisions in Virginia and among the top two percent of all school divisions in the county. The school division has developed a nationally recognized maker curriculum and opened one of the first CoderDojo Academies where the focus is on teaching computer coding and science skills to students. Albemarle County Public Schools is a member of the League of Innovative Schools, a nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress to accelerate innovation in education. Dr. Moran has been recognized with numerous awards including Virginia’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Jan Streich has been a leader in Virginia educational Photograph of Jan Streichtechnology for over twenty years. A former elementary classroom teacher, Jan served as assistive technology coordinator in the Stafford County Public Schools during the early 2000s before becoming the Director of Growth and Innovation for the Spotsylvania County Public Schools, where she oversaw a tremendous expansion and improvement of instructional technology and professional learning practices in a burgeoning system. Returning to Stafford recently, she is combining the roles of directors of instruction and professional learning, she continues to work with teachers and leaders to improve student learning and teaching excellence. A regular public speaker and conference presenter, Dr. Streich shares her insights and significant professional knowledge with colleagues around the state and the region.

Moran and Streich join a prestigious group of Making It Happen honorees, including classroom teachers, school principals, district superintendents, legislators, governors, and even former Secretary of Education, Richard Riley. Founded in 1995, the Making IT Happen program highlights the dramatic role educators are having on the learning process by using technology and rewards those individuals for their commitment and innovation. To date, over 500 individuals have been awarded this recognition through ISTE and its affiliates. The impact of this program has been felt at numerous conferences around the world. The focus of the Making IT Happen program is on current practitioners, highlighting their significant contribution and encouraging them to continue their work. Making IT Happen recipients are in the classroom, making it happen for learners every day.

How to Get Funding for STEM and Robots from the PTA/PTO

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This is a cross post from the DexterEd website and features content of potential interest to VSTE members.

You know what you want… now, prep and work with your PTO/PTA to make it happen.

I primarily work with educators at Dexter Industries to help them figure out what they need for their classrooms and assist in getting them started with their robots kits. Outside of my Dexter work though, I’m very involved in my children’s school, having started my 4th year being on the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) board. PTOs and PTAs are such an integral part of schools. They don’t just organize parties and events. They offer another avenue for teachers to request new technologies for their classrooms. Teachers sometimes aren’t aware that their PTO or PTA could actually help them when there are items or curriculum they want or need for the classroom.

PTOs and PTAs are different entities with different rules, but when it comes to helping teachers purchase new technologies for students there are similar ways for the PTO/PTA to say “Yes” to the request. Many times there are grade level funds set aside for each grade. The amount of these funds vary and could range from $100 to more than $500.

At the same time, the principal often receives a fund from the PTO/PTA that could be used for new school technology. Some principal funds are solely used for events, assemblies and other things that benefit the school and all students as a whole, but this varies per principal so requesting funding through the principal funds may be an option for you. With this in mind, if the technologies wanted are to be used in a library Makerspace, Computer lab, or mobile robot lab, then a request to the principal would be very appropriate.

Teachers are also welcomed to just request funds from their PTO/PTA for items they want, and see if a line item could be added to the PTO/PTA budget for the year. The most common way, however, that PTO/PTAs can help educators get new technology is through a dedicated fundraiser for the items teachers want. 

Let’s say you want to introduce robotics to your classroom, lunchtime club, after school program, or in the computer lab/library/makerspace. There are specific steps you should take when requesting that your PTO/PTA develop a fundraiser for the purchase of the robots you want.

As an educator these are the things to consider when pitching to the PTO/PTA:

At Dexter, we’ve built a presentation that covers all these areas for you, check it out here.

  1. Know the robotics kit you want and have bullet points as to why you want it. Make note of which grades it will be used with and how often. Dexter Industries recommends one robot per two to three students. Know how much money it will cost for everything you want- robots, curriculum or course units, any extra sensors or software. You may need additional equipment if you don’t already have it, like batteries, chargers, iPads. Robots are most often programmed via computers, including Chromebooks, and/or iPads.
  2. If possible, be able to share which state standards or course concepts the work you want to do with the robot will meet. For example, Dexter Industries course units and curriculum list all of the state standards that are met when using the kits and projects. We are continually developing new projects and lessons to expand our curriculum offerings.
  3. Know how the robot kits you want will benefit your students. Are the kits going to inspire and be accessible to all types of learners maybe? Are the robots going to create a renewed enthusiasm in an area where students seem bored and test results have dipped? Are you enthusiastic about the GoPiGo (shameless plug) because you can help your students learn to program in real world languages like Bloxter and Scratch, and then move into Python and Java? This is the “sell” part that you want to develop. You should figure out “why and how” the technology would benefit the students. Remember, the PTO/PTA board that you’re asking money from has students at your school. Have a few key points as to how the robots will benefit all students. You can also check out our Lesson Snapshots Guidebook showing you how to integrate robots into different content areas.  
  4. Have an example of the technology, in this case, the robot, to show your PTO/PTA board and principal. Request to be on our PTO/PTA meeting agenda so you can present and show off the robot at one of the general meetings. Show the ease of the software interface and a quick example program that makes the robot move. Have it drive and deliver a sweet treat to where the PTO/PTA board is sitting perhaps. Some robotics companies, like Dexter Industries, offer loaner programs (check out our free 45-day teacher trial) which makes it possible to evaluate the robot and bring it to meetings with your PTO/PTA or other administration who need to give a green light. Be prepared for questions from the PTO/PTA board member and the principal. If you need administrative buy-in first, set up a time with the principal and show off the physical robot, and let him/her know what funding sources you are planning.

PTO/PTAs do a lot for schools and are a great independent resource of the school to request funds for ideas that teachers have. Over the years I’ve been on the board, I’ve seen requests range from iPads and poster makers to sending librarians to conferences. Remember, PTO/PTAs want to help teachers make the school the best place possible for you and the students. They often have funds available or can assist in raising funds to support your efforts. Know what you want, show the technology in person if you can, and simply ask. It all starts there.

By Elizabeth Kiken

Download our free presentation and sample budget proposal to get you started. 

2017 VSTE Award Winners

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Each year, VSTE recognizes exemplary educators through several different awards.  We are proud to announce this year’s recipients who will be recognized at the Annual Educational Technology Conference.

The Outstanding Teacher and Leaders awards are given by the Virginia Society for Technology in Education to educational leaders who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education.

The VSTE Outstanding Leader for 2017 is Tim Taylor, Instructional Technology Supervisor of Shenandoah County Public Schools. Rebecca Coffman, an ITRT from Shenandoah County who submitted the nomination, describes Tim as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Tim’s approachability, positive attitude and support strengthens teachers’ and students’ confidence in their abilities and empowers them to experiment, implement and succeed even if that includes success by learning from failure. Tim empowers teachers by giving them opportunities to contribute their ideas and put them into practice, while also offering guidance when needed.. His ability to form relationships and communicate with all members of the educational community gives him a unique perspective of what is essential for continual growth.

A few of Tim’s initiatives include:

  • Advocacy of new technology initiatives such as robotics, STEM, 1:1
  • District GAFE accounts for K-12
  • District trips with teachers to Google Sulmmit, VSTE, ISTE, BrainStorm
  • Micro-credentialing
  • Creating and teaching technology courses with our local colleges
  • Tech Tips with Tim monthly instructional videos

The VSTE Outstanding Teacher for 2017 is Nichole Thomas, an Instructional Facilitator for Technology at Liberty Elementary School in Loudoun County. Nichole’s knowledge, collaborative nature and innovative ideas have transformed Liberty into a leader in technology application. More importantly, Nichole has empowered students to become the designers and creators of significant content and develop competencies for their digital world. For this work and due to Nichole, Liberty Elementary was recognize as a STEM Excellence Award finalist this year at FETC (Future Education Technology Conference).

Nichole works tirelessly to align grade-level lessons and project-based learning (PBL) units to the Virginia SOLs and equip students with digital competencies that they will use today and in their future. Under Nichole’s leadership, our teachers routinely integrate technology, such as 3D printing, virtual field trips, coding, augmented reality and more in instruction and cross-curricula PBL and STEM lessons. More importantly, Nichole’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious in our school. Students and teachers love to see Mrs. Thomas in their classrooms or co-teaching a lesson in the Smart Lab. Nichole creates and co-teaches in this innovative learning environment, the Smart Lab, with each instructional staff member. Nichole is an incredibly innovative teacher and leader at our school.

The Innovative Educator of the Year for 2017 is Josh Ajima, an Instructional Facilitator for Technology at Dominion High School in Loudoun County. This award is given by VSTE to highlight and recognize innovative educational practices—especially those that champion the smart integration of technology. Josh has brought technology rich hands-on learning to his school through making and technology enriched classrooms. The major focus of his work is to scale up the integration of Maker Education in every classroom and content area. In the 2016-2017 school year, he led a major push to bring over $100,000 in technology to his school. He led the team that won the US Department of Education’s CTE Makeover Challenge which transformed a traditional CTE classroom into a school makerspace. (http://www.ctemakeoverchallenge.com/dominion-high-school/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHluQediaIQ) To increase the reach of maker tools into the classroom, he designed mobile makerspace carts that allow multiple-classes to use real-world tools to solve authentic challenging problems. To increase classroom access to technology for digital design, media creation and digital publishing in his school, he helped plan and fundraise for an influx of over 200 new devices to create technology rich classrooms. These devices have empowered teachers in multiple content areas to help fulfill the school mission of empowering vulnerable students.

Is Your Vision 2030?

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Logo for Speak Up SurveyToday’s Kindergarteners will graduate from high school in the year 2030. That’s right 2030...As we reflect on the changes that have taken place over the last 10 years, what do you think we can expect in the next 12 to 13 years? How might we begin to prepare today’s Kindergarten students for their post public school endeavours?

We need to begin by assessing the current needs and desires of school age children their parents, their teachers and building administrators.  Then we need to make sure elected officials and education leaders at the local, state and federal levels understand the landscape of today’s classrooms in order to begin to shape the outlook of tomorrow’s schools. How might they come by the information needed to take on such a task? Participating in Project Tomorrow’s Speak Up National Research Project is a good first step. The Speak Up survey has had over 5 million participants since it began in 2003. This past year nearly half a million students participated across the United States representing all 50 states, over 2400 districts and 6300 urban, suburban and rural schools.

The vision of Project Tomorrow is to ensure that today’s students are well prepared to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders and engaged citizens of the world.  Project Tomorrow believes that by supporting the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities, students will develop the critical thinking, problem solving and creativity skills needed to compete and thrive in the 21st century. http://www.tomorrow.org/

VSTE’s vision is to be an influence in technological innovation in education and be recognized as an agent of change across the Commonwealth.  In Virginia last year, Albemarle County (8070 students) and Frederick County Public Schools (5379 students) led the way in overall participation. Fairfax County Public Schools was recognized for their level of parent participation.  This is all well and good for those participating school divisions. The problem is that Virginia is incredibly diverse and there are many more voices that need to be heard, schools that need to be represented, stakeholders that need to participate in Speak Up 2017. Everyone can participate but it takes one person from a school division to register participation and have teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members from their locale to be included, recognized, heard.

Be that person for your school division. It doesn’t require a signature or a vote, just a few minutes of your time to create an account, a few hours time to raise awareness and then about four months to get the final results and collect the data you need to inform district technology plans, budgetary decisions and professional development. Be the person that helps your school division prepare for the future and assure that the class of 2030 is future ready.

Register your school division today.
http://www.tomorrow.org/SpeakUp/Virginia.html

 

Rod Carnill is Vice Chair of the VSTE Board of Directors and Chair of the VSTE Advocacy Committee. He serves as the Supervisor of ITRTs for Frederick County Public Schools. 

 

 

 

 

How To Get Started With Robotics in the Classroom

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This is a cross post from the DexterEd website and features content of potential interest to VSTE members.

Back to school! Back to school! This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and a whole lot of chaos.

by Lisa Rode, 6th Grade Classroom Teacher in Fairfax County, VA

In all this madness, how do you add anything more? If you are not familiar with programming and robotics, adding “just one more thing” can be a bit intimidating, especially at this time of the year. But, it doesn’t need to be difficult.

Just a bit about my story — I had never programmed a robot before and had very little experience with Scratch or any other programming language. I decided to try something new in my classroom and purchased one robot to build and tinker with alongside my students. I asked my class for a few volunteers to join me at lunch to build and learn about the robot. Three students volunteered to come during their lunch period and we learned alongside one another.  More and more students became interested in programming this class robot.

Through the support of my school community, I was awarded a grant through the Farmer’s Thank A Million Teachers grant contest.  We were able to purchase more robots and sensors.  They were initially going to be used during an after school program, however over the past three years I have integrated using them in my core content lessons as well as lunch time student-led programming, and an after school club. The students also figure out ways to integrate them into class lessons on their own.

For example, students were given the task of create a Rube Goldberg machine to show energy transformations.  I showed them a variety of examples and said they could use anything in our class makerspace to build it.  The majority of the materials in our makerspace are recyclables and craft materials.  Students immediately found ways to incorporate the class robots into their machines.  One group even had a robot drive forward to push a button on a keyboard to move a character in Minecraft Pi into a photobooth and take a class selfie.  What?!?! I thought they were going to just use cardboard and tape for their machines. It was awesome.  This has been a great adventure and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

BUT… I Don’t Have Enough TIME for Anything Else!!!

Simply put, it is worth the time.  Time is always at a premium in the classroom.  I have found that the use of hands-on activities and project-based learning engages students and leads to a deeper understanding of the concepts. Integrate the use of robotics into core curriculum when possible.  Writing is one of the simplest ways to do this. Students can do something as simple as journal to record and reflect on their project or assignment.

BUT… I Don’t Know Anything About Robots and Programming!

It is almost impossible to keep up to date with all of the new technology, apps, and software. There always seems be something new and different. We need to be flexible and open to learning new things, sometimes right alongside our students.  This can also empower students to take more responsibility for their learning and increase investment. We are not necessarily going to have everything mastered when it comes to tech since it is always evolving. This can be a bit uncomfortable. Sometimes it is difficult for teachers to admit that they do not have all of the answers.  But, that can actually turn into the best thing as you encourage the students to “figure it out together!”

You don’t have to do it all at once. I started out with a few robots and slowly added as I found more and more ways to use them in my classroom.

BUT… No One Else At My School is Doing Robotics

Every teacher is different. Every student is different. Think about it, “A movement starts with a lone nut.”  Be that lone nut.  Start a movement and followers will find you.  Even if you are the only one at first, others will become interested once they see the students working hands-on and how excited they are. Invite

teachers to see your students engaged in lessons utilizing the robots and encourage them to work with the robots themselves. The beginning of everything starts with someone introducing it to their school and students. Robotics is included in this and the more others see students learning through their robots, the more others will want to participate.

 

 

 Here are some guiding questions to help you get started:

Where Do I Begin?

Determine your objective for the robots

  • What are you going to use them to teach? (Download my Robot Lessons Snapshot Guidebook showing ways I’ve integrated robots into different areas like language arts, math and science)
  • Will they be used in multiple subject areas?
  • Will they be used for multiple grade levels?
  • Will they be used for competition?

Determine the necessary hardware

  • What types of robots and other hardware are needed?
  • What robot/kit best meets your objective?
    • What age group are you planning for?
    • What prior experience do the students have programming and building?
    • What kit best meets your budgetary constraints?
    • How durable do the robots need to be?
    • Will they be used inside or outside?
    • How much time is available? Will the class have time to build the robots or do they need to be preassembled?
  • Are there any logistical considerations?
    • Do you need laptops, wifi, tablets? Do you need to have specific programs or apps installed?
    • Where will they be stored and who will have access to them?
  • What (if any) prerequisite knowledge needed (for the students and/or teachers)?
  • If they are being used for competition, what are the hardware requirements or rules?

Check out the robot comparison chart that the Dexter Industries team started. We’d love your feedback and input about what you think of this comparison. We want to refine it and improve it with input from the community of educators that have used these robots in the classroom, so please share your input and critique of this comparison!

Determine the scope

  • How many robots will be needed?  Groups of 2-4 students per robot work well. The smaller the group, the better.
  • Will they be used in the classroom as well as after school?  Only after school?

Determine the necessary budget and gain funding

Although there is a lot to consider, take the time to think through the questions and pick out a kit that works for you and jump in.  Even if you decide to start small like I did, encourage you to take the chance and try something new this year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you want to discuss with a fellow teacher!