VSTE Annual Conference 2020

The current pandemic has created bold Opportunities. Instead of viewing virtual/blended learning as less “ideal” than traditional in-class models, we lean into an innovative opportunity to build bridges among educators, students, and parents/families. Never before have we experienced these circumstances...open doors to connect and share ideas with all stakeholders to create the future together.

This session is geared toward educators, coaches, and tech integrators. It will focus on how to use technology, both old and new, to promote student success. We will show how to combine digital content with engaging physical media (manipulatives, games, etc). Our educators create content with commercially available software and a multi-media suite consisting of a wide format printer, cold film laminator, and automated paper cutter.

We use research based/pandemic-proof/bi-lingual (ESL) content to create innovative Student Resource Kits. These visual learning tools ensure that students remain engaged during virtual sessions because they will have content in their hands wherever they are. Further, open ended resources such as Graphic Organizers (Venn Diagrams, Story Outlines, etc) allow our students to articulate their understanding as opposed to simply clicking on a predetermined multiple-choice answer. ALL students, including diverse learners, are empowered to share their voices. They will be supported to meet Virginia Standards of Learning in both classroom & virtual settings. Best of all, these aligned resources work both in the home and in the classroom, which supports all stakeholders, especially families as they have equal access to relevant content.

Session will drive audience participation via group poll (using PollEverywhere), a content creation demonstration, and free templates to immediately share with educators back in school.

Now, we as educators have an opportunity to create collaborative success by engaging parents and students at the same time. We have a chance to ensure parents know how to leverage great educational content. The future of education will see students, parents, and educators working together to ensure student success.

Let’s Focus on that Future!