The Pathways Have Ended, but the Learning Continues

On October 13th we held our third and final BVSD Professional Pathways classes. Throughout this professional learning journey, teachers were able to explore digital storytelling, online collaboration and connected learning, and teacher librarianship in the future ready library. We had more than 120 participants throughout the three courses! Thank you to all of the teachers who chose to learn with us.  

In our two Digital Storytelling Professional Pathways courses, teachers learned how to empower student voices and discuss alternative ways for students to share their learning or content knowledge. Through the use of WeVideo, we created engaging multimedia stories. Lots of fantastic examples were made by teachers!  Zachary Fink and Michael Prough, fifth grade teachers at High Peaks Elementary, created this awesome “Welcome to Fifth Grade” video:

Participants in our Online Collaboration and Connected Learning (OCCL) Professional Pathways course worked on becoming a more connected teacher by expanding their social media presence and professional learning networks (PLN) through a variety of interactive and engaging activities. Try using this Twitter BINGO board to grow your own PLN!

As the role of libraries in our schools continues to evolve, our Future Ready Librarians Professional Pathways course supported our teacher librarians (TLs) as they work to transform their spaces and programming, and expand their roles to meet the needs of 21st century learners. Thought leaders Pam Sandalian Smith, Linda Conway, Marci Milius, and Heather Lister worked with TLs over the course of our 3 days together to inform, enlighten, and inspire.

Upcoming Opportunities

If you missed out on one of these courses, or are interested in exploring these topics further, we encourage you to sign up for one of our blended professional development courses. These courses are a hybrid of in-person and online sessions. The learning will begin in December and allow you to take a deeper dive into effective educational technology integration. You can choose from:

• Digital Storytelling (MyPassport #16543, Section 22185, begins January 16th) - participants will learn how to use different digital tools to increase student voice and students authentic publishing. What story do you want to tell?
• Online Collaboration and Connected Learning (OCCL) (MyPassport #16340, Section 22196, begins December 6th) - will open up connections and expand the four walls of your classroom. Learn how to use digital tools to connect students, experts and teachers in collaborative work.
• Maker-Centered Learning (MyPassport #17175, Section 22247, begins January 17th) - participants will be introduced to the maker movement and the benefits of maker-centered learning. Attendees will supplement their learning via direct engagement with Front Range maker community members including local organizations and companies. Finally, all attendees will develop a proposal for integrating maker-centered learning into their practice.
• Level Up Your Google Apps Skills (MyPassport #17169, Section 22234, begins January 29th) - participants will grow, show, and share all things G Suite for Education. Through a gamified model, attendees will complete practical challenges, earn badges, and race up the leaderboard with the ultimate goal of passing the Google Certified Educator Level 1 Fundamentals Exam.

We look forward to continuing to learn together!