December 2020
PLIC Presents at NYSCATE 2020
Several members of the PLIC Team presented at the NYSCATE Annual Conference, which took place virtually on November 21-24, 2020.
 
Dodie Ainslie presented two sessions, “The New Normal: Let’s get Real and Authentic” and “Accessibility for All in a Remote Environment”. “The New Normal” focused on ways educators can apply critical aspects of good instruction (connection, sense of community and attention to work that matters) in any environment by designing authentic, real-world learning experiences that allow students to connect to their community and to others. “Accessibility for All” explored digital resources and tools with built-in support to successfully engage all students in the virtual environment.
 
Based on his experiences as a NYSCATE participant, where the deluge of new information can feel like “drinking from a fire hose”, Rick Bray assembled an Ed Tech panel, consisting of himself, Emily Koval, Marissa McNamara from the PLIC team and four other ed tech coaches from across the country for “Ask an Ed Tech Coach”. In this session, participants could bring their questions to the group for consideration. The panel responded to questions around engaging students in classes with simultaneous in-person and remote learners, accurately assessing student understanding while minimizing the changes of cheating, and ways to strike a balance between new/innovative platforms and the student data privacy regulations in New York. Rick also partnered with Trish Llaguno from Windsor CSD to present “VR in a Shoebox”. In this session, the presenters shared their tips, tricks, and experiences with using 360 cameras to turn the traditional shoebox dioramas into immersive virtual reality experiences; students can even record themselves so they appear “inside” their shoebox environment. More than just an engaging instructional method, these learning experiences include written text and/or vocal narration that includes content-specific vocabulary.
 
Barb Tasber presented on using blended learning to optimize student learning in literacy centers. The presentation began with a review of the article “Deepening Independence in the Reading Workshop” by Lindsey Moses to spark a discussion around the need for well-planned literacy centers to optimize student learning. Barb shared ways that technology can foster and support collaboration, individualized opportunities for practice, and targeted feedback. Participants also explored ways to optimize student engagement during these learning opportunities, giving students choice on their path, pace, and place of completing them as well as opportunities for students to really share their voice, thoughts, and opinions.
NYS Teachers to Explore Genetic Science in January
Please invite your secondary science teachers to join colleagues across NYS in January for a professional learning series based on the new documentary, The Gene: An Intimate History, which details the history and ethics of genetic science and modern DNA technology. This three-session series will provide educators with a forum to engage in discussions about real-life phenomena, learn about cutting-edge science, and build an awareness of classroom resources that support several New York State Science Learning Standards.

This statewide opportunity is enhanced by a powerful collaboration with SUNY Cortland, Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS), New York State Master Teachers Program (NYSMTP), and WSKG Public Media to offer this amazing experience. Following a two-part screening of the film, experts from Binghamton University and Purdue University will share the latest applications and advances in genetic science in their respective sessions. Participants will also examine gene testing and editing in greater detail and explore free middle school science classroom resources created by PBS Learning Media based on the film.

The PLIC, NYSMTP and STANYS will be supporting teachers directly throughout the sessions and teachers will ultimately collaborate to design curricular pieces based on the documentary as well as the associated workshops and PBS resources.

Select session titles to register today!

January 11th and 13th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

January 26th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm

January 28th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Sponsored by:
As we rely more and more on technology in our daily work, we have decided to incorporate a new section into the monthly PLIC Pride communication called Tech Tips for Administrators. This section will bring you a new Tech Tip each month to support your work as a leader. 

In this first edition of Tech Tips, we want to pose a question to you - how are you modeling the effective use of technology, specifically utilizing the tools that you expect your teachers to use in their classrooms, as a leader? As you reflect on this question, think about the core tools that you want teachers to be using with their students and consider how you might use these same tools in working with your staff and school community. We know that administrators build credibility as instructional leaders when they consistently model effective practices with their staff. Some examples of how leaders can utilize tech tools include:


  • Engaging staff and using interactivity during virtual meetings - Are you using the interactive features of Zoom or another video conferencing platform that your teachers are using? For video tutorials and additional resources on how to utilize these tools, visit the regional Technology Toolkit website.
 
  • Using shared drives/folders to share resources and foster collaboration across the school community- Whether you are using Google Drive or Microsoft Office 365 in your district, the ability to share, collaborate, and work together in a virtual space is easier than ever. If you need tips on how to utilize certain features of these collaborative tools, see the resources available below:
  • Google Drive
  • Microsoft Office 365

  • Keep it simple - Don’t overwhelm yourself in trying to learn too many tools. Stick to core tools that can support you and your purpose. It’s important to model this for your staff, too! Keep focused on the tools that work and don’t feel like you have to use everything out there.

Continue the conversation and sharing with one another on Twitter using #BTTechTip. We look forward to celebrating what is working for you and sharing ideas with leaders across the region.
 Learn ~ Collaborate ~ Explore ~ Register Today!
[Register by Jan. 6 - Starts Jan. 11]

[Jan. 26, Mar. 30, May 18]

[Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, Mar. 31]

[Register by Jan. 27 - Starts Feb. 2]

[Register by Jan. 27 - Starts Feb. 2]
Looking for more Professional Learning opportunities?
Check out the PLIC catalog and calendar here!