Upcoming PD
Technology PD and Events Schedule
Below is a listing of live events (in person and/or on Zoom) hosted or supported by BPSTechnology. Please click the event for a description and info to register. If you are looking for courses, scroll down for a listing of upcoming courses. If you are looking for past PDs to view, visit our On Demand PD page.
2024-25 Technology Courses
Please visit Vector for complete course information and to register. Offerings are subject to change.
Course Offering Key: ๐ Fall (September-December) | โ๏ธ Winter (January-March) | ๐ธ Spring (April-May) | ๐๏ธ Summer (June-August)
ChatGPT & AI in K-12: Using Generative AI in our Classrooms ๐ โ๏ธ
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธย Online Synchronous and/or Asynchronous
This course introduces participants to the innovative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for enhancing teaching and learning experiences in the K-12 space. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will learn how AI technologies work and explore how generative AI, including applications like ChatGPT, could be used in our classrooms. They will learn to leverage these technologies to foster student creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. The course will cover ethical considerations such as bias and plagiarism and model best practices for integrating generative AI into classrooms effectively. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to empower students with the possibilities of generative AI across various subjects and grade levels. The maximum enrollment in this course is 30.
Choose Your Own Adventure in Scratch ๐๏ธย
๐ PD hours, PDP, or ALC (See description for details)
๐
Online Asynchronous
Would you like your students to tell stories creatively in your class? Have you ever considered having your students design a game or digital animation as a formative assessment? Have you seen your students make amazing games on Scratch and wondered how they do it?ย
Scratch is an online coding tool that is being used worldwide by youths for creating stories, animations, and games. It provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their learning while using computational thinking and problem solving skills that align with the MA Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards for grades 3-12.
In this course, participants will learn how to use and apply Scratch through a series of self-paced โchoose-your-own-adventureโ modules. Content for various experience levels will be provided, from beginner modules to get started, intermediate modules for users with some prior experience to bring their Scratch skills to the next level, and advanced content for experienced users to create games and projects.ย
Participants may complete any number of modules. A minimum of 10 hours of module work are required for PDP. Minimum of 12 hours including a project, as well as a reflection, are required for ALC. Participants with less than 10 hours will be awarded PD hours.
Create Digital Content with Adobe Express ๐
๐ PD Hours or 10 PDPs
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Asynchronous
In this self-paced course, participants will complete modules in Google Classroom to learn how to use Adobe Express, a district-supported instructional technology tool, to edit and create digital content (such as PDFs, flyers, graphics, animations, videos, webpages, and podcasts) for their roles in schools or Central Office. This course is designed for any BPS employee who would like to learn how to use Adobe Express to embed more creative tools in their work, such as for communication and for family and community engagement. All BPS school-based staff, teachers, Central office staff, nurses, and paras are encouraged to participate. Classroom teachers and instructional leaders are encouraged to enroll in the โInfusing Creativity in the Digital Classroomโ course for application of Adobe Express and the creative process to student learning and lesson design.
Flipping your Classroom using a UDL Approach ๐ย
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous
In this course, classroom teachers will explore flipped classroom learning models to design a flipped classroom lesson using a UDL lens. Teachers will design for learner variability by addressing student barriers, providing flexible pathways for student learning, and extending learning. With the support of coaches, participants will implement a flipped classroom lesson and reflect on their practice using structured protocols. This course will require teachers to video record their classrooms for non-evaluative coaching and peer feedback. This course is most relevant to classroom content teachers in grades 3-12. The max enrollment in this course is 20.ย
Focus on Technology: Early Childhood ๐ธ ๐๏ธย
๐ 1 ALC
๐
Online and In Person
Wondering how to help your students learn how to stay safe online, how to balance their use of technology/media, retell a piece of literature in a fun-filled engaging way or have them program a robot to show the life cycle of a butterfly?ย ย
This course is a series of three day workshops that will focus on digital literacy, digital citizenship and computational thinking tools.ย In these sessions, we will explore CommonSense Media and learn how to review websites, apps. and games as well as learn about the different Digital Citizenship resources that are available to educators, families and students.ย Teachers will also explore ScratchJr. ScratchJr is a coding tool that is being used worldwide by Early Childhood students for creating and retelling stories, and creating animations. Using physical computing such as BeeBots and KIBO Robots are an exciting way to engage students in design thinking and coding activities while building problem solving skills. This course provides teachers an opportunity to learn strategies to teach digital literacy, digital citizenship, computational thinking, and problem solving skills that align with the MA Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards for grades K-2.
Hyperdocs: Creating Interactive Docs and Slides ๐ โ๏ธย
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Asynchronous with one live session on Zoom
In this self-paced course, participants will explore ways to use Google Docs and Slides to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies that support teaching and learning. Participants will produce a lesson in hyperdoc form, get feedback from peers during our one live session, deliver their lesson, and provide an in-depth reflection.
Inclusive Ed Course: DLCS Foundational โ๏ธย
๐ 12 PD Hours and 12 PDPs
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Asynchronous
In this course, participants will be introduced to the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards and available district technology tools. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally and linguistically sustaining practices (CLSP), specially designed instruction (SDI), and how to write academic language objectives while being introduced to existing district technology tools that will support them in the implementation of these inclusive education competencies. Participants will adapt an existing DLCS lesson that meets high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) criteria and engage in feedback sessions with other course participants and instructors. This course meets the requirements for the 12 hours of district-designed professional learning on foundational inclusive education competencies.ย
Infusing Creativity in the Digital Classroom ย ๐ ๐ธ
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous
In this course, participants will learn how to use Adobe Express, a district-supported instructional technology tool, to design engaging lessons that will allow students to demonstrate creativity and creative expression. Adobe Express is free and available in Clever for all BPS teachers and students. Participants will engage in creative brainstorming activities and hands-on learning to produce webpage portfolios that incorporate video, images, audio, and interactive components, which can be incorporated into classroom practice. Feedback and reflection are a critical part of this course; participants will give and receive feedback from their peers as they design their lessons and portfolios. This course is designed for the teacher or instructional leader who would like to embed more creative thinking strategies and tools in their practice. Participants will produce a webpage portfolio and lesson plan and have the opportunity to receive Adobe Creative Educator Level 1 upon completion of work.
Leveraging Universal Design for Learning and Technology to Create Accessible Classrooms ย ๐ ๐ธ
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous and Asynchronous
In this course, participants will explore how to design more accessible digital classrooms using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. In July 2024, CAST released the UDL Guidelines 3.0, the most recent update to the UDL principles. This course will cover these updates, which address identity as part of variability, acknowledge biases as barriers to learning, emphasize the value of interdependence and collective learning, and move from teacher-centered to student-centered language. This course will introduce participants to these updates and how they can use available districtwide instructional and assistive technology tools to support Tier 1 instruction. Participants will explore proactive strategies using the UDL principles and design or adapt an existing lesson that applies strategies and tools from this course.ย
Living with Technology: Empowering Teachers to Shape Future Generations of Digital Citizens ๐๏ธ
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Asynchronous
Do you wonder how you can help your students develop healthy relationships with technology? What does privacy and security mean for you and your students? How do you know the information you see online is true? How can students develop positive online identities and use online communities safely? How might new technologies like ChatGPT affect our future?ย
This course aims to examine the evolving role of technology in student learning and the educatorโs growing role in this. The content of the course focuses on familiarizing teachers with contemporary technology topics like screen time, privacy, cyberbullying, social media, media literacy, and AI while giving powerful strategies and tools to help students conceptualize this digital environment that is increasingly becoming part of nearly every aspect of their lives. Participants will develop a lesson/unit for a community event for students, staff, and/or parents as a final project.
Navigating the Digital Library Landscape through a UDL Lens ๐ย
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous and Asynchronous
In this course, participants will apply a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens to identify, examine, and design lessons that focus on building studentsโ digital literacy skills through the purposeful use of available district instructional technology and digital library resources. This course is intended for the librarian or teacher who is interested in deepening their knowledge and use of the following tools: Gale in Context, Sora by Overdrive, Read&Write for Google Chrome, OrbitNote, MagicSchool.ai, and other digital resources. Participants will engage in hands-on learning during live Zoom sessions and work towards developing a lesson on digital literacy skills aligned with librarian and/or technology standards. The maximum enrollment for this course is 30.ย ย
"Play Through Time" An Exploration of the History of Games & Gaming ๐ย
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous
In this PD, we will explore the history of games from early forms of gaming to sports, development of electronic games such as console and mobile gaming, and the emergence of eSports as a major cultural force.ย
The course will explore historical themes and contemporary issues such as ethical considerations in game design, diversity, and the social and political dynamics. Participants will gain an understanding of how games, both traditional and digital, have influenced and been influenced by technological, social, and cultural changes. This session will culminate with the creation of a competency-based lesson series/project for educators to use with their students and in their schools.
"Tech Past, Present, and Future" History of Technology ๐ธ
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous
We live in a very connected world now and it moves so fast sometimes it is hard to keep up. Many of us know about the role technology plays in our lives, but little about its history. Our students face this same dilemma. Therefore, given the increasing role it plays in our everyday life, especially in that of our students, having a deeper understanding of the historical patterns of technology will give teachers a better idea of its dynamic nature and where it might be going. Especially in an era when artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, is being increasingly utilized. In this competency-based professional development, teachers will engage in valuable discussions and develop engaging and relevant content to add to their curricula. The maximum enrollment in this course is 30.
"Think B4 You Click": Basic Cybersecurity for Educators โ๏ธ ๐ธ
๐ 1 ALC
๐ฅ๏ธ Online Synchronous
Do you or your students ever wonder why your phone seems to know what you are talking about or thinking when you open up social media? Do you want to know how to make your online accounts and your students' accounts more secure from โhackers?โ Do you ever wonder why you need to change your password every few months/weeks? Do your students?ย
We live in a very connected world now and it moves so fast sometimes it is hard to keep up. Like with almost any technology, there are positive and negative aspects of having the internet at our disposal. Having a basic understanding of how the internet functions, the types of cybercrime and scams that exist, and how cybercriminals target different people will help educators navigate the internet more safely not only in the workplace but in their personal lives as well. Moreover, teaching this critical knowledge to students will help them be attuned to the complex and sophisticated online environments they will be entering as adults.
Central Office Workshops
These montly workshops are designed for Central Office staff to learn about new technology tools and practice their skills.ย
Tech Orientation for New Employees
๐ Every second Wednesday on Zoom from 8:00-9:00AM
BPS Central Office: do your new hires need technology orientation to get onboarded with apps used in BPS? The BPSTech Digital Learning Team offers recurring in-person Technology Orientation sessions for new employees every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 8-9AM. Please visit our website or stop by the Service Desk on the 3rd floor for more info. In these sessions, we cover the tools that are used in BPS and where to go to get tech support.
Lunch N Learn with BPSTechnology
๐ 1 hour per session
๐
12:00-1:00 PM monthly in person at Bolling or on Zoom
๐ Register for a session
These sessions, held twice a month (1 online, 1 in person), are designed to empower central office staff to feel more confident using technology for their roles, including using Google tools to boost productivity, enhancing collaboration, and learning about the latest tech features. Bring your laptops and feel free to bring your lunch! 1 hour PD credit will be issued on Vector for each session attended.ย
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
Please click on an event to register with your BPS email address. All events require you to register on Vector and/or Zoom.
How do I get credit for attending?
Each offering has different credit requirements. Read the event description and syllabus for more information about how to earn credit. All credits will be issued via Vector.
Are your PDs accessible?
All remote sessions will be recorded and captioned in English. All video and audio content will have captions or a transcript. Agendas will be shared in advance of or during the session. If you have any additional accessibility needs, please reach out to Rhianon Gutierrez.
What is the format of your PDs?
We offer the below options for our PDs. Check each description to find out more.
In-Person
Remote Synchronous (online in real time)
Blended (in person and online in real time and self-paced)
Self-Paced Asynchronous (online)
Hybrid (in person and remote/online in real time)