Tech2Teach Updates
Inspiring educators to work collaboratively & digitally
2015-16 GenNET Tech2Teach Success
71 educators throughout Genesee County participated in Tech2Teach professional development program for teachers sponsored and funded by GenNET.
Sessions were held 10/8 and 12/3/15 and 2/11/16
On October 3rd the stage was set for teachers to consider collaborative and sustaining opportunities to enhance classroom practice, engage students and improve student achievement with the practical, useful integration of technology in the classroom that can be used now!
December 3rd, teachers in the program returned and spent a full day working with new tools and planning the implementation of how the integration of technology can make a difference specifically for classroom instruction and efficient teaching.
February 11th, included opportunities for participants to work with pathway leaders, discuss successes of their work and prepare a written reflection of how the work they've done through Tech2Teach has impacted their work.
Session 1: Choosing a Pathways
Teachers were exposed to five different pathways of practical ways to enhance how they’re using relevant technology in the classroom. Path choices included:
Google Apps for Education
Web-based formative assessment tools
Expanding learning outside the classroom walls
Beginning to teach students how to Code
Student-centered activities to make authentic, inquiry based choices
In following sessions of Tech2Teach, participants will develop and enact the path they chosen with students, share with colleagues in their local districts as well as develop efficient management of information in their work.
Link to October Agenda: http://tinyurl.com/jb5jyuo
Session 2: Instruction and Implementation of Pathways for Learning
Teachers worked with each of the five different pathways for practical ways to enhance how to now use relevant technology in the classroom. Instructional and work sessions allowed teachers to determine an implantation before the conclusion of the Tech2Teach Progam in February. Specific whole-group activities included learning effective ways to save and protect passwords as well as a full-group opportunity to expeience the power of using Google Hangouts.
Now Tech2Teach, participants will develop and enact the path they chosen to implement with their students, as well as share with colleagues at their buildings.
Link to December Agenda: http://tinyurl.com/zckep2z
Session 3: Inspiration, Innovation and Integration
Additionally a presentation about EduPaths, (new online professional development opportunities) and an afternoon introducing everyone to a "Mini Ed-Camp" Un-conference experience inspired teachers even more. 12 different sessions took place based on areas of interest and technology trends for participants to explore, discuss and learn even more!
Link to February Agenda: http://tinyurl.com/zxdy76w
At Tech2Teach was also about "IDEAS!" Participants:
- Identified strands of learning that is relevant or best matches their technology readiness
- Demonstrated proficient use of various tools identified within chosen strands
- Ensured the integration of technology tools into existing units/lessons with their students
- Applied the integrated lessons/units in their classrooms with their students
- Shared with building colleagues as well as staff and administration results of their efforts in their local districts by request of local district leadership.
2015-16 Tech2Teach Participating Districts
- Atherton
- Beecher
- Bendle
- Bentley
- Davison
- Flint
- Flushing
- Genesee ISD
- Grand Blanc
- Kearsley
- Linden
- Mt. Morris
- Swartz Creek
- Westwood Heights
- "Thank you for all you time, effort and support on putting on this great pd. I love that we all had choices."
- "Place the first and second meetings closer together. I felt like we just got excited about the pathway and then had to WAIT to get into the planning and then implementation (with the instructors' assistance)."
- "I have left here after every session excited to take my new learning experience into my classroom and share with my school! This was the best! Thank you presenters for doing an awesome job!"
- "All of the instructors were informative & extremely helpful."
- "Once a pathway is implemented and adjusted within my class, I would like the opportunity to begin another. I don't feel that this professional development should end after 3. I feel that I have learned more during Tech2Teach, had the support needed, more than I have at any other PD."
Genesee Intermediate School District
Partnering for Success
Email: edtech@geneseeisd.org
Website: www.geneseeisd.org
Location: 2413 West Maple Avenue, Flint, MI 48507
Phone: 810-591-4436