VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

VSTE News

Building a Mobile Tech Lab

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Mobile Tech Lab Team at VSTE23When two newly-minted instructional technology resource teachers went to the administration in Washington County, Virginia with an idea for a mobile technology lab, they were met with a resounding YES, after which they had to figure out how to make it happen. Andrew Smith and Thomas Larimer join Activated Learning podcast host Tom Landon to share how they created a trailer that contains drones as well as virtual reality and robotics equipment. Now that trailer travels the mountain roads of their rural county to bring state-of-the-art learning opportunities to teachers and students while maximizing the investment in teaching tools for the county.

Listen to the ActiVAtED Learning Podcast

For a video version of the podcast, please visit the link below.
https://youtu.be/aB2tzFICy4c

SWVA Can Code!

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written by VSTE Board Member Heather Askea (heatheraskea@vste.org, @Haskea)

What happens when you put an idea together with an innovative idea with a proven curriculum and powerful partnerships?  AWESOMENESS!   That is how SWVA Can Code was born!

SWVA Can Code is a program that encourages 5th to 12th graders to create and develop web applications that aim to solve important problems or take advantage of opportunities within their communities. This regional initiative provides an opportunity for young students to engage in the process of designing and prototyping these apps. By participating in this program, students can contribute to their communities and make a positive impact through technology. The program empowers students to identify challenges or opportunities in their communities and find innovative solutions through coding. SWVA Can Code provides valuable web development skills and fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among young minds.  Built on Apple’s Everyone Can Code framework, SWVA Can Code was heavily inspired by Montgomery Can Code (MD) and DC Can Code.  But as lead organizer for this initiative, I knew that Southwest Virginia was going to have to take a different approach to bring this to life.

The key vision for this project was to engage students in learning skills that could propel them into a potential STEM career. Coding was the main focus with web application development being the creative component of each camp.  The pitch part of the camp fostered collaboration and communication skills often a struggle for students. The focus on creating an app that addressed a local challenge or opportunity supported students’ understanding that they can solve problems through creative uses of technology applications.

The project was developed through partnerships with K12, Higher Education, community, industry, and government partners, and Apple Education.  UVAWISE’s STREAMWISE Outreach Program serves as the coordinating entity organizing training for camp personnel, curriculum, and logistics planning support, and also providing access to extra devices as needed.  Partnering school districts and higher education and community organizations provide funding for camp personnel, camp materials, and support for food and transportation as needed through their summer learning programs.  Our industry and government partners provide support through service as local camp showcase judges, regional showcase judges, and provide additional funding support for the regional showcase. Apple Education supports the project through logistics, support meetings, and training for camp leaders and technical staff, and through support from their strategic initiatives team, K12 and Higher Ed solutions teams, and from Apple Marketing and Professional Learning.

To ensure equitable access for any student wishing to participate, camps are provided free of charge to students and many schools utilize summer learning funds for transportation and meal support. The key aspect of all camps is the focus on creative solutions for challenges identified within the local communities.  In 2023, students created apps that addressed mental health, physical health, social disconnects, town and area beautification efforts, tourism, food instability, etc.

One of the best outcomes from the inaugural year of the initiative was seeing our winners continue to grow.  Giles County students Ava and Cooper continue to work on their app, “Calm It” which was developed to help students who struggle with anxiety.  After winning the regional pitchfest held at UVAWISE on August 1, 2023, they have gone on to present at the Appalachian Council for Innovation’s Annual Gala, the Virginia Society for Education’s Annual Kid’s Talks at the annual conference held in Roanoke, VA, as well as numerous appearances at school board meetings and other community events.  They were even featured in a recent webinar hosted by VSTE’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Ava and Cooper, the creators of the “Calm It” app
Ava and Cooper, the creators of the “Calm It” app

Going forward into our second year, SWVA Can Code is growing!  We are expanding our camps into SWVA proper with camps in Montgomery and Floyd counties.  We are also expanding to include a high school division.  Our training opportunities are also more focused on SWIFT UI and getting students beyond the prototyping stage and closer to producing an app that could someday be in the Apple App Store!  If you would like to learn more about SWVA Can Code or join the initiative check out https://swvacancode.com/ or contact me at haskea@uvawise.edu .

VSTE welcomes Katie Breaud as our Certified Coaches Program Coordinator!

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Katie Breaud profile imageKatie Breaud is a Learning Technology Integrator with Albemarle County Public Schools. With master's degrees in elementary and gifted education, Katie recently completed her endorsement in educational leadership. She is an ISTE Certified Educator and VSTE Certified Coach who loves finding ways to integrate technology into classroom instruction. Katie has a background in talent development and experience in managing educational programs.

The VSTE Certified Coach Program advocates for the role of coaches across the Commonwealth by providing an extended learning program for certifying instructional coaches and growing a professional learning network of instructional coaches that actively contributes to the VSTE mission and VCC program. As the VSTE Certified Coach Program Coordinator, Katie manages and promotes the VSTE Certified Coach Program, facilitates the VCC professional learning network, and coordinates the renewal process for all VSTE Certified Coaches.

You can connect with her on LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/breaudlinkedin or contact her at VCC@vste.org.

Lights, Camera, Learning: Why Video is the Star of Education

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Written by VSTE Board Member Chrystal Elmore (@elmore_chrystal)

In education, tapping into students' innate abilities is key to fostering meaningful learning experiences. One powerful tool that aligns perfectly with students' natural inclinations is video. Let's explore why integrating video into education is not just beneficial but transformative:

  1. Students are natural storytellers.
    It's no secret that students possess a natural inclination towards storytelling. Video provides them with a medium to unleash their creativity and storytelling process. Whether it's crafting narratives, presenting ideas, or explaining concepts, students can harness the art of storytelling to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
  2. Most students already spend a lot of time watching and making videos.
    In today's digital age, students are immersed in a world of videos. They spend hours consuming content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. By incorporating video into education, educators can leverage this existing interest and familiarity to create engaging and relevant learning experiences.
  3. Encourages students to be creators, not just consumers.
    Video empowers students to transition from passive consumers to active creators. Instead of merely absorbing information, students become actively involved in the learning process. They take ownership of their learning journey, exploring topics, conducting research, and producing content that reflects their understanding and perspectives.
  4. Allows students to create personal connections to the content.
    Video offers a platform for students to personalize their learning experience. They can relate course material to their own lives, experiences, and interests, fostering deeper connections with the content. This personalization not only enhances engagement but also facilitates long-term retention and understanding.
  5. Enables Multimodal learning.
    Every student learns differently, and video caters to various learning styles. It combines visual, auditory, and sometimes even tactile elements, making it a powerful tool for multimodal learning. Whether students prefer visual demonstrations, verbal explanations, or hands-on activities, video provides a versatile medium to accommodate diverse learning preferences

Looking for some inspiration on how to incorporate video into your classroom? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Create a personal/subject narrative
  • Record Interviews
  • Stop Motion
  • Make a video tour of significant locations
  • Record Video Self-Assessments
  • Book Reports
  • Step-by-Step Videos
  • Newscasts

Our district uses Canva to create videos in the classroom. Canva for Education is like the Swiss Army knife of design platforms—it's versatile, user-friendly, and packed with features tailored specifically for students and teachers. With Canva, students and teachers have access to templates, stock photos and royalty free music to use in their videos!

Incorporating video into education offers students a dynamic platform for student expression, engagement, and learning. So let's grab our cameras, cue the lights, and embark on an educational adventure where creativity knows no bounds. After all, in the grand production of learning, every student deserves a starring role. Lights, camera, learning—action! 🎬✨

2023 VSTE Award Winners!

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The VSTE Coach and VSTE Teacher of the Year awards recognize and honor coaches and teachers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education.  Award recipients are selected from a pool of nominations submitted by VSTE members from around Virginia.

On December 6th, 2023, two individuals were recognized as Outstanding Technology Coach and Outstanding Teacher for their innovative and engaging work in supporting their peers and districts in becoming change agents in technology education. The winners met the high standards set by the ISTE Standards for Coaches and Teacher Leaders.

Below are our winners and remarks that were provided as part of their application packet.

 

Teacher of the Year

Heather Russell

4th Grade Teacher , Chesterfield County Public Schools

These award recognizes and honors one teacher who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education.  

Ms. Russell has built a STEAM culture, not only within her own classroom but also within her school building. At the time, STEAM curriculum was only being embedded into classrooms with gifted or high achieving students. Ms. Russell immediately wanted to break that mold and expand STEAM to all students no matter their economic background, race, gender, or instructional level. Just like her students, she is always challenging herself to think outside the box and design STEAM and technology challenges that not only spark creativity within her students but also  bridge the gap between real world connections and the classroom. She is always seeking out new ways to blend technology into her Science, Social Studies, and Math content areas. The legacy she hopes to leave her students with is to always ask questions, dream big, and to inspire others with creativity.

 

Coach of the Year

Nicole Holdcraft 

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Virginia Beach Public Schools

This award will recognize one educational technology coach who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education.

Ms. Holdcraft has created a supportive coaching culture by being approachable and a true instructional partner. She supports teachers in growing their capacity and helping students move toward mastery of their learning through student-centered coaching. She leads PLCs through data-driven conversations as a starting point for co-planning and co-designing learning opportunities. She has helped teachers identify meaningful connections for innovation in STEM, coding, podcasting, and performance tasks in all grade levels PreK-5. She is firm in her belief that technology access should be equitable and should engage future-ready students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Ms. Holdcraft collaborates with other educators to design accessible and active learning environments as seen with the College Park Elementary Innovation Lab, Makerspace, and Science Lab.   Her innovative spirit and collaborative mindset have made a profound impact on both students and educators throughout her school, district, and state.