In 2016 edWeb.net hosted over 250 webinars that have been viewed by 170,000 educators. Topics spanned from early childhood education to building a positive school and classroom culture. From integrating technology into school libraries, to special education, to coding and robotics, there was something for everyone this year. We would like to thank our partners and sponsors who help us bring such valuable professional learning to educators, our presenters for sharing their wonderful ideas and practices, and the educators that joined us all year long!
edWeb.net announces Mackin Educational Resources as the new sponsor of Emerging Tech, a free professional learning community (PLC) that helps librarians integrate technology into school library programs. The Emerging Tech community began in 2010 and has over 10,000 members who are on the leading edge of transforming libraries into centers for 21st century learning. Librarians have been increasingly recognized as leaders in using technology and digital resources to transform learning.
Todd Nesloney, Principal of Webb Elementary in Navasota, TX, dreams of an environment where children are excited to come to school everyday, rather than excited to leave. In a school with a population that is 85% minority and almost 90% free-and-reduced lunch, how does the staff at Webb Elementary approach their students and what are some of the innovative programs behind the school’s success? In this edWeb.net webinar, Todd gave examples of how he works with his students and staff based on his own experiences.
edWeb.net and Wonder Workshop are hosting a professional learning community (PLC) on Coding & Robotics K-8 that will bring together thought leaders, technical experts, leading-edge educators, and industry leaders to provide teachers new information, resources, ideas and a place for discussion on how to teach coding and robotics, and how to integrate computer science and coding theory into core subjects, especially for students in grades K-8.
The Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) is sponsoring the newly launched, free professional learning community (PLC) Teach & Travel on edWeb.net. In today’s globalizing world, experiences outside the classroom are equally as important as inside. In fact, 24% of all tourism is student tourism, and 12% of that number is students ages 10-17. However, finding the means for student travel can be difficult, especially for low-income schools.
As the first on her father’s side to finish high school, and after ten years becoming the first on her mother’s side to graduate college, a sense of initiative served as the foundation to Secretary McCulloch’s career. After graduating, she began teaching and at the same time became involved in campaign work. “Have you ever wanted something but thought if you said it out loud it would sound foolish?” said Secretary McCulloch, describing her initial thoughts about becoming an elected official. She now admits she was embarrassed to ever have thought that. “As women, we constantly underestimate our abilities. We are our own worst critic when we should be our number one cheerleader,” she said.
All over the world, destructive ideologies based on cultural, religious, and ideological stereotypes are hampering development, dialogue, and understanding of the world around us. Generation Global believes that education is one of the most effective instruments in countering these ideologies. Through Generation Global, students can practice skills and dialogue, participate in facilitated videoconferences, and engage in a safe online community where they can connect with their peers around the world.
To provide the best possible teaching and learning environment, school leaders need to provide their teachers with professional learning opportunities that are personalized and engaging. This is not an easy task when there are so many areas to cover, very little time, and limited funds. edWeb.net is free and can help school leaders provide teachers with personalized PD that meets teachers’ needs and interests, and promotes collaborative learning with peers. Shannon Holden, Assistant Principal at Republic Middle School, MO, provides a guide for school leaders to demonstrate how edWeb.net can be used in any school or district.
Dr. Douglas Fisher, Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, presented in the webinar, “Rigorous Reading: Building Strength and Stamina,” sponsored by Achieve3000. The webinar explored building strength and stamina in students to improve reading at increased difficulty and complexity. Dr. Fisher began by defining the difference between difficulty and complexity, explaining that difficulty is the amount of effort a student must put into a given task, whereas complexity is the kind of thinking students must do for that task. It is fundamental that teachers maintain the balance between difficulty and complexity to foster an effective literacy program. They can do this by assigning their students many tasks that provide varied levels of each.
Learning Ally sponsors the free Professional Learning Community (PLC) on edWeb, Empowering Struggling Readers. This PLC provides webinars and resources that help support students with dyslexia and specific learning disabilities. Here, educators, administrators, special educators, curriculum leaders, and librarians can collaborate on how to make thriving students out of struggling readers. Empowering Struggling Readers also provides insight on assistive technology, accommodations, and overall solutions to foster academic success and a love of reading in students.