S1: AMP It Up!

Hosted by:

Chad Prezlomski - Schoology Sales Director

The gist:

Chad talked about AMP and how it functions as a cross district, assessment creation/administration platform. He demonstrated a bunch of item types that I was happy to learn will just be included in the normal course test/quiz functionality. He also went into the QTI integrations - SGY's initial connectivity will be Certica and KDS (KeyDataSystems). Lastly, we got the initial mocks and designs of reporting

My take:

Getting closer. Not there yet. A lot of promise with ease of item creation that definitely beats our current district's assessment platform. There are also more possibilities for item type creation. Those two would definitely be a win; however, the reporting even on the local/district assessment level still has much growth to be had. I caught up with Kara at the end of the day and she was saying how it really wasn't ready for DPS. My recommendation is we start early piloting to keep testing and trying when/if we can. Schools like College Prep would be eager to get their hands on it.

RAW NOTES

S2: PD Possibilities with Schoology

Hosted by:

Sarah Woodard - English Teacher, Collegiate Prep Academy, Denver Public Schools

Martha Gustafson - Principal, Collegiate Prep Academy, Denver Public Schools

The gist:

Showcasing as a case study. CPA went full board with Sarah's lead and pushing. Sarah was one of the early adopters of SGY for use in the classroom prior to district wide implementation. Collaborating with her school leadership, Martha agreed to move forward using SGY for adult learning. Martha explained how the cross collaboration and PD sessions were eventually built into the lesson plans of teachers. Whether or not SGY is a direct contributor, she gave us the student growth success data that proved something was working

My take:

All looked good and maybe this is why we have rolled SGY as the online delivery for professional development in DPS. The thoughts I took away were if there was a case study published or some example or template for other schools to try and implement. The the district's flexibility model, I'm wondering if this was something that was presented within the menu of choices.

RAW NOTES

Lunch Keynote: Sarah Woodard

The gist:

She spoke during lunch and focused on the diffusion of innovation, going through her personal timeline, and #techquity

My take:

#techquity Isn't that Noah's thing? Hmmm... I wonder. She did mention her collabo with Aurora Public. I did a smile ear-to-ear when she splashed the adoption curve. Tim must've been a pig in shit seeing this since he's been trying to get it through people's skulls the past couple months. What else? I wonder if Sarah got approval to show pictures of students in her presentation. =)

RAW NOTES

S3: Schoology Lifesaver: Individualized Learning Experience

Hosted by:

Melissa Riggs - Ed Tech Specialist for Instruction, D49

The gist:

Melissa's session was based around the notion of how courses can be adapted for students with varying needs, be them special or just learning styles. She gave some good input to ensuring students get the most out of the learning experience. She ended by allowing for discussion and throwing up a bunch of resources/links.

My take:

Nothing new here for me, but good to see it endorsed and reinforced for audience members. Involving kids in the course design allows for critical buy-in needed for them to really get into their learning experience. No push back here. Do it.

RAW NOTES

S4: Innovative Learning Formats: A System Approach to Blended and Online Learning

Hosted by:

Diana Gamboa - Director, Online Learning & Education Options, Boulder Valley School District

The gist:

Diana gave us some great fuel for looking at what's available to student that need different space and logistical setups. She led us through the normal dilemma of not having enough time in the school day and how curriculum progressions leave the experience thin due to time. She explained the National Time Collaborative study. She engaged us to share with what we were doing at our districts and how/what we were offering - just to say it and get it out there. The session ended with Diana giving some amazing stories and examples of how hybrid models may be the best for students.

My take:

I liked her approach of starting it off. She allowed for experience sharing with elbow partners. We also got to ideate towards the end to thinking without limits. I like how she drove home the notion of creating a welcoming environment where students go to the environment because it is welcoming - rather than punitive "you have to be doing X". Find the time to pull back. And while some students "learn" the best online, they still need the human exposure with non-learning components of learning.

RAW NOTES

The last word from me.

Good conference. Saw a lot of "NEXT" logos on prezzo decks, so I'm wondering if this is all re-run or recycled content... or a preview of the content being presented at that conference. Either way, new to me, so happy to join in on the discussions.

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