DSU | Dr. Kevin Smith | Summer 2021 | 1 creditÂ
Course Description:
DSU offered their annual summer professional development, Teach Camp, virtually again for the second year in a row. The one-day event covered topics from technology tools to use in the classroom, social emotional education, content-specific topics, and general education topics as well.
Key speakers of this conference included 2021 SD Teacher of the Year, Amanda Hargreaves, as well as other presenters including Tina Belden, Scott Klungseth, and Kristen Mulder.
Sessions Attended:
Ed Tech Framework: The TPACK framework is about understanding all levels; content, pedagogy, and how to utilize technology to improve or enhance learning. Tech can be used to transform education if done properly; use the SAMR method to help; substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. Make it new and better! Finally, the Rigor-relevance framework encompasses thinking and acting.
Listen and Learn: I listened to the podcast called, "6 Ed Tech Tools to Try in 2021" because I was interested in hearing if there were any new tools I had not heard of yet, especially in the time of remote learning and mass customized learning in my district. This podcast gives a description of the tool, the link to it, and a link for the tool in action. The tech tools listed were Mote, Allsides, Google Lens, Bulb, Embracerace, and Prezi. I was pleasantly surprised to have only heard of two of these tools so found it interesting to hear and learn more about the others.
Nix the Tricks: Nix the Tricks discussed the importance of teaching students methods, rather than focusing on teaching them tricks to get around learning. The value is on the student actually understanding the "why" behind what they are doing. It does them no justice to memorize tricks that help them solve math problems, if they cannot actually explain how or why they got to the answer they did. There are many ways to solve math problems, with true understanding; we should not limit students to just one way.
Sanford Inspire: Good relationships with students is so very important! If students feel loved and supported by teachers, they will have a better school year overall. Students should know that their teacher is someone they can trust and confide in, and come to if they are in need. It is just as important to learn about student's personal backgrounds than it is to understand where they are academically. If teachers start with good relationships, the academic aspect will naturally follow, not always making things easier but definitely providing better understanding and opportunities for teachers and students alike.