VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

VSTE News

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.

Lessons in Gratitude

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I heard the door open and then small feet in flip flops squish across the floor of the locker room followed closely behind by a pair of bigger feet also squishing across the wet tile. I heard a small voice say “T-t-t-towel P-p-please”. I saw the boy stretching to reach the towel just out of reach. Then, the boy asked, “Ca-ca-can you help me?” “Yeah,” said the man. He reached for a towel, unfolded it and wrapped it around the boy. “Th-th-th-thanks Dad.” The dad smiled and replied “See, that first lesson wasn’t so bad. You did a great job listening to the instructor and trying your best. You were very brave.” “It was kinda fun.” answered the boy

They moved over to a bench and the dad opened the locker as his son worked at the wet knot of his drawstring. Once again he asked, “Ca-can you help me?” His lip was still quivering from the cold air after leaving the pool. “Sure.” replied the dad. Let me show you how…
The dad instructed the boy to take both ends of the string and pull firmly and slowly in opposite directions. It must have worked as I heard a surprised “Huh!” from the boy.

I heard the boy grunt and then sigh. He must have been struggling with the wet swim trunks as I heard him once again ask, “Can you help me?” “I can…” replied the dad, then he added, “...but I think you can do this on your own.” The dad then coached him through working his way around the waistband to loosen the string and then wriggle his way out of the trunks. I heard them both giggle. The dad said, “Good Job!” and I heard what must have been a slightly failed attempt at a high-five and they both laughed once more.

father and son hand-in-hand near a poolI know that they came there that day for a swim lesson which is valuable to the boy's physical health and fitness. However, the life lesson that the dad provided will likely prove even more valuable to the boy's overall development. Dad's lessons;
It’s good to learn new things from others.
It's also important to ask for help.
Remember, the same people who will help you will also support you when you face struggles and even encounter failure.

The dialogue of that quick exchange, especially the giggles, brought a smile to my face and gave me a sense of gratitude. I am grateful to those in my life who have helped me when I needed it. I am also humbled to realize that I need to get better at asking for help when needed.

I hope that you will join me in helping others when we can and also in asking for help when we need it. You just never know what you might learn along the way, the value of that opportunity for those who can lend their aid or the impression it will make on someone simply observing your act of kindness.

Be well, make good happen, and keep in touch!

Rod Carnill currently serves as Executive Director for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education and recently celebrated the birth of his first granddaughter.

Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!

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Header image that says :Become a VSTE Certified Coach"

Join the fastest growing network of certified coaches in Virginia!  The VSTE Certified Coach program (#VCC) is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 cohorts.  This program was created by VSTE to provide a custom professional learning experience for instructional coaches that allows them to collaborate in cohorts while learning the art of coaching.  The VCC curriculum is aligned with the ISTE standards for coaching and has been developed in partnership with Forward Edge, an Ohio based company that specializes in instructional coaching.  Although originally developed with EdTech Coaches in mind, the VCC program is open to all instructional coaches in Virginia.

All coaches who complete the VCC program will:

  • Have a clear understanding of their role as an educational technology coach.
  • Think systematically about the role their coaching program plays in larger district goals and initiatives.
  • Approach technology integration from a learning objective first mindset.
  • Be prepared to incorporate formal coaching cycles into their coaching program.
  • Create and market professional learning experiences founded in andragogical best practices that are personalized, memorable, and lead to classroom implementation.
  • Possess a strong skill set for building relationships and deepening coaching conversations with educators.
  • Utilize data to make informed decisions about their work as a coach and the needs of educators they support.

 

VSTE Certified Coach LogoOver the past year, hundreds of Virginia coaches have joined the VCC and VSTE has developed the VCC Professional Learning Network to provide continued support, professional collaboration, and opportunities for growth to all VSTE Certified Coaches.  You can become a part of this amazing PLN by applying for one of the 2024-2025 VCC cohorts.  Act fast - applications close on December 15th, 2024.

VCC Application Link  (bit.ly/VCCapp2024)

 

 

The VCC Application Details

Interested coaches will need to determine which cohort they wish to register for based on their experience and availability.  There are three VCC cohort options for the 2024 VCC Application: spring semester, fall semester, and full year.  The spring semester cohorts will run from January through May and will meet twice each month. The fall semester cohorts will run from August through December and will meet twice each month.  The full year cohorts will run from  September through May and will meet once every month. Newer coaches are recommended to register for the full year cohorts in order to allow more time between learning experience to grow their practice, but all applicants can indicate their preference within the registration form.

Interested coaches will need to fully understand the expectations of the VCC program and should obtain approval from a direct supervisor.  There will be meeting times that will occur during regular working hours, and there is an expectation that participating coaches will commit to the meeting times and participate during those sessions.  In order for candidates to be successful, supervisors will need to be supportive of a coach’s participation and made aware that there is a cost of $300 per participant associated with the VCC program.

The 2024 VCC Application Deadline is December 15th, and all applicants will be notified on or before January 5th of their acceptance.  The first meeting of each cohort will be announced in advance, and subsequent meeting times will be determined by a cohort poll.  Arrangements for the payment of $300 must be made prior to the first cohort meeting.  Divisions interested in hosting a division-wide cohort should contact Rod Carnill, VSTE Executive Director.

 

A graphic summarizing the blog post information.