Developing 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the Dots IV VTcite Developing 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the Dots IV

What is VTcite? Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators

Vtcite & VITA-Learn Joined together www.vita-learn.org

Vermont Dept. of Education A Special Thanks to the Vermont Department of Education for supporting this project and providing the resources need for the “seed” to grow! This project is funded by Title IID and plays a significant role in supporting the Vermont Transformation

The Vermont Transformation “If we are to be successful in transforming our education system, the State Board of Education states that we must begin by creating a clear definition of the desired state of this system. The State Board has identified five components of a desired state for the purpose of generating a statewide dialogue. These components are: Student-centered Education Leadership in a Student-centered Learning Environment Flexible Learning Environments Engaged Community Partners Results and Indicators of Success” How are the Children? A Step Toward the Transformation of Education in Vermont – 10/03/07

Transformative Education in Vermont Framework Summary 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Goals – 1. Provide learning environments and instructional practices that support multiple ways of learning, yield deep understanding and application of essential knowledge and skills, and ensure the success of every student. 2. Establish learning expectations and assessments that emphasize a personalized learning experience and incorporates the knowledge and skills essential for all PreK-12 learners to be successful in the 21st century and beyond. 3. Work to ensure all levels of Vermont’s public education system are guided by effective, transformative educational leaders. 4. Improve student success across the continuum of PreK-16 education, including strengthening kindergarten readiness, increasing student engagement and educational relevance in K-12 education, and improving post-secondary aspiration, continuation, and completion rates for all learners. 5. Promote state and local policy and governance structures that facilitate attainment of the educational practices and student outcomes articulated in the Vision statement and goals.

Program Purpose Provide practicing teachers with information that may allow them to “transform” their own classrooms Create models of best practice where sound content and effective pedagogy are supported through technology. Create leadership for change

Models of Best Practice Who is the Unit for? What are the ramifications of creating a unit for others? Where will they be “stored”?

Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Dots IV Letting go Do you know what you don’t know? The main focus is NOT the technology Engaging students in meaningful work Effective Teaching Practices Developing 21st Century Skills Using 21st Century Tools

Connecting the Dots... What are the “dots”?

Student-Centered Learning Re-defining Student-Centered Learning Expand your understanding in a 21st Century context What is Student-Centered Learning and how does it play out in practical ways in the classroom? What are the essential elements of Student-Centered Learning?

Project/Inquiry-Based Learning What is Project/Inquiry-Based Learning? What are the essential elements of Project/Inquiry-Based Learning? What are the connections between Student-Centered Learning & Project/Inquiry-Based Learning?

Understanding by Design What is Understanding by Design? Why is it important? How will you use it?

Assessment Pre-assessment Formative assessment Summative assessment

Differentiated Instruction Key Elements of Differentiated Instruction The Content The Process The Products How do (can) you implement differentiated instruction in your classroom?

National Education Technology Standards for Students What are they? How have they changed? How are they aligned with 21st Century Skills?

Vermont’s & NETS-S Updated Vermont Technology Grade Expectations “Transformation & Technology: A New Way of Learning - Classroom Scenarios”

21st Century Skills

Collaboration Make connections to... Classrooms – locally, nationally, internationally Agencies, business, etc. “Experts” Use technology to extend, expand and enhance learning opportunities... Or even better, create entirely new learning experiences not previously possible.

Those are the “Dots” You were selected because we believe you can effectively connect them. It’s hard work It’s lots of fun And very rewarding

What We Learned It is complex Many of us think we know... Attitude is everything It is very easy to revert back Time management is critical It is difficult to let go It can be done!

The Unit One Interdisciplinary Unit per team Detailed Lesson Plans Create new or Revise old Unit? Knowing the content Katie’s story

Expectations Overview Attend All sessions Be on time and stay for all sessions Your Team will create ONE Interdisciplinary Unit that will be shared with Vermont Educators- Teachers Implement your unit during 2011-12 school year Create a Web 2.0 presentation - Teachers Upload to specified site Create a School-Based Dots Plan – Administrator Write a Reflection Paper - Teachers Meet all deadlines Participate in the Dots Evaluation Process

Web 2.0 Presentations One half hour twice a day during the June sessions Fun, Interactive, Interesting, Informative Uploaded to designated site Teachers’ responsibility

Unit Development Process May 25th – UBD introduction/review May 25 – June 26 - teachers will develop a draft of their Enduring Understanding and Essential questions. It will be very important you go no further with your unit at this time. Do NOT begin to develop the unit. This can NOT start until after the June Dots workshops June 27 – 30 – The Dots July 1 to July 14 - teachers will develop their unit and lesson plans. Participants will develop a unit overview and develop their specific lessons. July 14 – Draft sent to Ed & Kathy July 18 & 19 – Work sessions July 20 – 31 - participants will finalize their units & lessons. July 31 – Unit uploaded to designated site August 1 – Final Presentations

The Payoff iPad 2 – yours upon successful completion of the program Three (3) graduate credits from St Michael’s College Room & Board $500 Stipend upon successful completion.

Did You Know 3.0?