Initiatives & Projects

PROBLEM: The district implemented Gaggle filtering and we immediately took a closer look at the reports that indicated some areas of concern regarding appropriate online interactions.

SOLUTION: The Digital Learning Team analyzed the data and created a series of monthly topics. Then, we created targeted resources designed for quick and easy implementation by classroom teachers. Each month, we released a new theme complete with an introductory "Expert Tip" video for all grade levels, a teacher-led activity designed to take 15 minutes and focused on the specific grade level/age of the target audience, and interactive games around the key vocabulary of each lesson. We also included Do's and Don'ts reminder graphics and Table Talk discussion cards for home use - in both English and Spanish. We also created restorative Classrooms that could be used for students who the Gaggle data indicated needed more focused intervention.

RESULTS: Each month, our data showed that more teachers were using these resources. We added additional resources based on feedback from teachers - and students - that were using these resources.

PROBLEM: We needed a way to provide district resources and guidance on using approved digital tools for learning when schools closed due to COVID-19.

SOLUTION: Digital Tools for Distance Learning - a website with guidance on district policies for video conferencing with students, information on the supported learning management systems in the district, tips for students participating in remote learning, and tips for teachers on providing feedback with digital tools.

RESULTS: This resource grew to include a frequently asked questions portal built from instructional questions teachers had as this school closure began. This resource will continue to evolve along with the district's remote learning plan.

PROBLEM: We needed a way to improve student access to resources offered by the New Hanover County Public Library without physically obtaining a library card.

SOLUTION: CLASS Project - a partnership between New Hanover County Schools and the New Hanover County Public Library that allows all employees and students of the district schools to check out materials and access resources using their ID number as their library card.

RESULTS: Teachers and students are able to take advantage of courses offered and tutoring, check out multiple books and other materials - physical and digital. As school budgets no longer include a line item for school libraries, this allowed librarians to supplement their collections and better support student learning.

PROBLEM: We needed a way to bring educators together from across the region for organic conversations inspired by current instructional needs and ed-tech trends.

SOLUTION: EdCampBeach - a southeastern North Carolina EdCamp

RESULTS: The first year, we had more attendees from outside the district than from the district. There were attendees from states outside of North Carolina as well. As word spread, our district attendance improved. This event grew to include support from the UNCW Watson College of Education

PROBLEM: We needed a way to provide a variety of professional learning opportunities that were available on-demand.

SOLUTION: Be Awesome! Digital Badges - a collection of "at your own pace" exploratory learning options. Teachers select the digital tool that they use/want to use to aid instruction, become knowledgeable on the use of the tool, submit artifacts of use, and reflect on the impact of the tool on instruction.

RESULTS: The first year we awarded 135 badges. That number grew exponentially over the next year...and continues to increase. By the end of the 2018-2019 school year 1,935 had been awarded - far more had been reviewed with feedback provided. This program became a model for other districts in North Carolina.

PROBLEM: We needed a way to connect schools and educators across the district to share ideas and celebrations while growing our collective professional learning community.

SOLUTION: #NHCSchat - a social media presence on Instagram and Twitter. The latter included a monthly Twitter chat led by Digital Teaching & Learning, but often facilitated by educators and administrators.

RESULTS: Schools created their own hashtags and the #NHCSchat community grew to include others outside of our district. Participation in the Twitter chats ebbed and flowed over the years and the format modified with district feedback, but it has remained a constant professional learning activity in the district.

PROBLEM: We needed a way to open school libraries throughout the summer in order to promote literacy and continued learning during the summer months.

SOLUTION: NHCS Summer Library Program - a program of literacy & STEM activities offered over the summer.

RESULTS: What began as a Technology Department initiative morphed into a district sponsored program including funding support from instructional services. Attendance grew over the years. The average attendance at one site during the summer of 2019 was 35 per day. Librarians follow up with students that attend and find academic growth as a result of the continued access to learning over the summer.

PROBLEM: We needed a way for educators to share instructional technology strategies and lesson ideas with each other.

SOLUTION: Summer Institute for Instructional Innovation - a conference for teachers, by teachers.

RESULTS: What began as a Technology Department initiative morphed into a district sponsored event with a planning committee comprised of the leads from special education and instructional services. While attendance varied from year to year, it grew to include an opening keynote and an administrator strand. Despite Hurricane Florence taking a toll on the 2018-2019 school year, the event was trimmed to one day and had record-setting attendance - and included an app to help attendees navigate the sessions.