Webinars

Leading Digital Transformations in Rural School Districts

Leading the Digital Transformation in Rural Districts During Crisis and Beyond

May 19, 2020

The current crisis has highlighted the disparity between students with and without equitable access to technology, especially in rural schools. While most teachers are being asked to take their lessons directly to the students’ homes, many administrators know that the challenges in their district go beyond whether or not students have enough devices to do their classwork. During CoSN and ClassLink’s edWebinar, “Leading Digital Transformations in Rural School Districts,” the presenters talked about how the COVID-19 situation amplifies the obstacles rural schools face transitioning to a 21st century learning environment.

Designing a Student-Centered, Future-Focused EdTech Mindset

Tips for Designing a Future-Focused EdTech Mindset

May 14, 2020

As of March 29, 2020, school closures due to COVID-19 have impacted at least 124,000 U.S. public and private schools and affected at least 55.1 million students, according to Education Week. In a recent edWebinar, Dr. Justin Aglio, Director of Academic Achievement and District Innovation, Montour School District, PA, expressed that while we have prepared for school closures due to weather and disasters, school districts have found themselves in an unprecedented reality.

eLearning

Top Tips for Teaching Online From Educators Doing It Now

May 11, 2020

To help teachers with the transition to online instruction, an edWebinar hosted by SETDA featured educators sharing what is working for them as they teach students online during the COVID-19 crisis. The presenters also provided recommendations for other educators who are now making the shift from being in a classroom to working remotely with students.

A Shark Tank State of Mind

Empowering an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Students

May 7, 2020

Be your own boss. An enticing dream that is achievable with honed business know-how. It’s a career journey that can actually start in school through programs that prepare learners for future entrepreneurial roles in a continually evolving workforce. In EVERFI’s edWebinar, “A Shark Tank State of Mind: Empowering an Entrepreneurial Mindset,” educators shared strategies for developing the capabilities and mindset students should embrace to become entrepreneurs.

Cultivating a School Culture That Promotes Executive Functioning

Promote Executive Functioning within School Culture

May 1, 2020

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country struggle to move their brick-and-mortar classrooms to remote online learning environments. While empowering students to take the lead in their education is the vision and mission of school districts, the abrupt move to distance learning has put a heavy burden of responsibility on our students. “What is being asked of our children today in terms of executive functioning is way more complicated than it used to be, and their brains are not more ready,” said Courtney Wittner, M.Ed., Director at Hayutin & Associates, during a recent edLeader Panel. Wittner, along with Renaud Boisjoly, CEO of Studyo, identified and provided valuable strategies for supporting students as they navigate these unprecedented and challenging times with executive functioning skills. 

Accessibility for All

The Key Role of Tech in Accessibility for All

Apr 23, 2020

Every two or three years, state and federal laws regarding accessibility in education change. However, the goal is always the same: making sure that every student, at every level (classroom, building, district), has access to the resources they need to meet their learning goals. During ClassLink and CoSN’s edWebinar, “Accessibility for All: Creating an Equitable Learning Ecosystem,” the presenters discussed the lessons they’ve learned, especially regarding technology as an instrument for accessibility.

The Transformative Power of Digital Reading

Get Social with Digital Reading

Apr 16, 2020

While printed books aren’t going away, today’s kids are wired to think digital first. Combined with increasing ways for teachers, students, and authors to interact online, digital reading is allowing students to connect with content on a deeper level. In their presentation, sponsored by Mackin Educational Resources, “The Transformative Power of Digital Reading,” Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair, New Canaan High School (CT), and Jane Lofton, Teacher Librarian “In the Wild,” offered tools and strategies for effective engagement with digital sources.

Making Equity Matter

Improving Student Outcomes by Implementing Equity Strategies

Apr 13, 2020

Discussing and developing equity strategies can lead to significant improvements in student performance, and as Dr. Tyrone Howard of UCLA explained during a recent edWebinar sponsored International Center for Leadership in Education, starting the process by looking at data on both students and teachers is a crucial first step toward mutual understanding and effective solutions.

Supporting Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Bring Science to Life: The Impact of Video Game Simulations

Apr 11, 2020

The situation was bleak: There were just a few plants. The mule deer were hungry. There were no pollinators. Other animals were reproducing. The ecosystem was on the verge of collapse. Those in charge would need to figure out what went wrong. And then make quick decisions to save it. Good thing this was a simulated game designed to engage students in complex science concepts. They probably won’t feed mule deer in the future, but through a thoughtfully constructed interactive video game, learners can build their science proficiency in engaging and meaningful ways.

Engage Young Learners with Informational Text

Dos and Don’ts for Using Informational Texts with Young Learners

Apr 8, 2020

With the Common Core Standards came an increased focus on reading informational texts, starting with kindergarten. But integrating informational texts isn’t as simple as having students read a couple of biographies every marking period. In PBS TeacherLine’s edWebinar, “Strategies to Engage Young Learners with Informational Text,” Nell Duke, Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Michigan School of Education, offered her advice for understanding and incorporating informational texts in the classroom.