The highlight of my summer: The BestPrep Technology Integration Workshop

 

The Highlight of My Summer

Summer is a time for teachers to unwind and relax. Summer is also a time for learning that is hard to do in the fast-paced school calendar.  Teachers rarely get time to reflect on the big picture of what they teach and how they can really re-envision how they may deliver that learning.

For the past decade, I have spent a week revitalizing myself in just this type of learning. I’ve taken four days of out my summer to stretch myself, learn from others, share my knowledge, and watch teachers get that precious time to design. This week is by far the highlight of my summer.

I am talking about the BestPrep Technology Integration Workshop. http://bestprep.org/programs/technology-integration-workshop/

 

What is BestPrep?

BestPrep is a non-profit organization “with a mission to prepare students with business, career and financial literacy skills through hands-on experiences that inspire success in work and life.” http://bestprep.org

I got involved with BestPrep when teaching middle school. I was asked to help out by opening the computer lab for students in the Stock Market Game, one of BestPrep’s programs. http://bestprep.org/programs/stock-market-game/   I did not know that I was going to be involved with BestPrep for the next decade.

In my next year, I used Classroom Plus to bring real-world speakers to my classroom. http://bestprep.org/programs/classroom-plus/

I also set up my class to connect with eMentors, emailing people in the business world to give my students a new perspective on life beyond high school. http://bestprep.org/programs/ementors/

 

The Technology Integration Workshop

Then came the summer Technology Integration Workshop http://bestprep.org/programs/technology-integration-workshop/. I attended the first time as a participant, and I kept coming back as a Technology Integration Specialist. This was the very first time that I had this title, and one that really developed my professional path.

During the workshop, attendees:

  • Increase knowledge of educational technology while applying it using new technology integration skills
  • Job shadow a business or industry professional
  • Have designated time to apply the information learned to curriculum by modifying a unit plan

During the week, teachers attend breakout sessions to build their technology integration skills. At the beginning years ago, intro to PowerPoint was a popular session. We helped teachers envision how a single-computer classroom could engage learners. Over the years, the sessions have grown along with the transformations in education. Now sessions include digital assessments and teaching in a BYOD or 1:1 environment.

Teachers also work closely with a Technology Integration Specialist to transform and design a unit to teach in their classrooms. The breakout groups are thoughtfully chosen to create a collaborative and supportive environment for educators to work together. I have worked with media specialists, elementary teachers, administrators and instructional coaches. This is the only time of the year where I have time across four days to work closely with educators. The work time sets the BestPrep workshop apart from other professional development sessions. The products that teachers come up with are amazing. You can see the Lesson Library here: Lesson Library: http://bestprep.org/programs/technology-integration-workshop/resources/lessons/

Teachers also attend a job shadow with a business partner at companies such as Ecolab, Target Corporate, and Thomson Reuters. Even the elementary teachers in my groups have found valuable insight by taking time to glimpse into the business environment.

It is honestly hard to put the workshop into one blog post. If you are a teacher on the cutting edge of using technology for learning – or if you are later getting on the train for the journey, you will find your place with us.

Please contact me if you would like to know more about my experiences.

For a flyer and a sample schedule, visit http://bestprep.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/TIW-Flyer-Schedule.pdf.

 

 

 

 

 

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