• Professional Learning

    With rapid changes in educational technology and instructional shifts, ongoing professional learning is integral for educators to keep abreast of the knowledge and skills needed to ensure students succeed and have innovative learning opportunities while assuring sustainability. Access to tools is necessary, yet, understanding when and how tools are utilized determines success.

    Learning takes on many forms and users have individual needs, ensuring there are a variety of learner-centered professional development opportunities to engage and support educators regardless of their mastery levels is needed.  The SAMR Model, a tool that guides educators to design and effectively infuse digital learning experiences into teaching and learning by moving through successive levels, Substitution>Augmentation>Modification>Redefinition. The levels demonstrate a progression of levels of educational technology often follow as they progress through teaching and learning with technology.

    Online courses, blended learning, and asynchronous collaborative teams are examples that allow learning to be relevant, job-embedded, and personalized; with time to plan, practice new skills, reflect on new knowledge, as well as collaborate and learn from others. In order to help students enrich their digital literacies, it is important to ensure educators have space and time to explore transforming learning with tools.

    BPSTechnology provides professional learning for teachers interested in expanding their technology integration skills. Request professional learning support at your school, collaborate with us, connect with colleagues in BPS schools implementing such practices, or explore additional learner-centered resources.

Learn

  • What is the SAMR Model and what does it look like in schools?
    (Video Length: 2 minutes)

Do

  • TIER 1: CORE SUPPORT FOR ALL

    Provide short informal teacher-led drop-in sessions for educators to come together to collaborate, learn, and share based on educator needs using Lunch and Learn or Pineapple Charts.


    Organize an EdCamp/Unconference, a participant-driven conference or professional development opportunity led by attendees emphasizing the informal exchange of information and ideas between participants.

     

    TIER 2: SMALL GROUP

    Facilitate grade level or subject integrated professional learning opportunities such as Common Planning Time or Choose Your Own Adventure.

     

    TIER 3: INDIVIDUALIZED

    Provide time and access to a variety of learning opportunities based on educator needs and classroom support implementing new knowledge and skills. Leverage coaching, modeling, online learning, or site visits are vehicles to provide such support. 

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