2024VSTE Annual Conference

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to in-person instruction, more and more assessments have moved to a digital format. How can educators leverage digital tools in the classroom to prepare students for all that faces them with digital examinations? Learn from an Instructional Coach and Educator how they have integrated online tools to prepare students for online examinations. Particular focus will be given to reading, writing, and making thinking visible as well as Universal Design for Learning connections.

Using common applications such as Wixie, Book Creator and Minecraft can make it easier to drive math instruction. Student familiarity with the application can speed the introduction of new material without getting bogged down in the process of using the app. Teachers can create lessons for the introduction of material, remediation and/or extension. Lessons can be assigned to individuals or groups as needed, keeping student challenged and engaged.

Discover how technology can support high-leverage practices for students with disabilities in four key areas: collaboration, assessment, social/emotional behavior, and instructional practices. This session will explore integrating digital tools to enhance specially designed instruction (SDI), ensuring tailored instruction for all students. By the end, educators will be equipped with practical strategies to create inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments using technology.

When most of us think of an anchor, a particular shape comes to mind. In truth, anchors come in many different shapes and sizes depending on their purpose. Just like in teaching, a one-size-fits-all approach just won't work for every situation. In this interactive session, you will experience how technology and Universal Design for Learning can go hand in hand to meet the needs of all learners in the elementary classroom. We will dive into the UDL Core Beliefs and Design Process, exploring the technology tools that can support out students' learning. Please bring a charged tablet or laptop in order to participate fully in this session!; When most of us think of an anchor, a particular shape comes to mind. In truth, anchors come in many different shapes and sizes depending on their purpose. Just like in teaching, a one-size-fits-all approach just won't work for every situation. In this interactive session, you will experience how technology and Universal Design for Learning can go hand in hand to meet the needs of all learners in the elementary classroom. We will dive into the UDL Core Beliefs and Design Process, exploring the technology tools that can support out students' learning.

Are you familiar with the concept of PBL and ready to dive in on a full project-based learning unit? Have an idea for a problem to solve or an end product but need to flesh it out to make it a full-unit learning experience? This session will walk you through backwards design from end product goal to unit introduction and all the parts needed in between so students truly learn by doing. Our specific example is a math project, but these strategies are applicable to any content area. Make your project come to life while still meeting content standards and pacing.

Unlock the potential of your classroom with cutting-edge technology and innovative instructional strategies! Join me for an exciting session where we will dive into app-smashing technology tools with "Eduprotocols" to create engaging, student-centered lessons. ?Eduprotocols? are quick activities that foster the 4Cs by using repeatable templates designed for all levels and subjects. Establish how to seamlessly blend these resources to foster a culture of mastery and transform your teaching practices into a pathway to creativity and effectiveness. Some of the Eduprotocols we will explore include: Fast & Curious, Frayer Model, Thin Slides, Iron Chef, and more. These will be paired with technology apps such as Canva, Quizizz, Padlet, Wordwall, and others.

The current state of education is rigorous and grade focused. Students often struggle to achieve to the required level, but rarely know why they struggle or how to address the problem. In this session, a classroom teacher and instructional coach discuss usage of curriculum tools (CED, LMS, Scoring Guidelines, and exams) to redevelop a notebook and an online portfolio to track and communicate progress. Participants code notebooks to the standards, skills, or competencies, and track their overall progress on those skills in their electronic portfolio. We discuss formative assessment as instant and varied data points and self, peer, and reassessments. Additionally, we discuss summative assessment as a means to build capacity and foster skill acquisition. Other benefits include: growth mindset, differentiation, closing learning gaps, relationship building, and social-emotional learning. Exemplars and stakeholder feedback will be shared.

This session will showcase the instructional resources created in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education by four public media stations WHRO, Blue Ridge PBS, VPM, and PBS Appalachia which are found in GoOpenVA, and Virtual VA courses.

We will navigate virtual waters through online learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. Anchors Away as virtual learning and teaching resources, best practices, artificial intelligence connections, and a myriad of resources and supports available to educators and divisions will be shared to help students and families succeed.

The implementation of computer science in education is a powerful catalyst for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. In today?s rapidly evolving digital world, it?s essential that students not only understand how technology works but also how to apply it creatively and thoughtfully in various contexts. This session is designed to empower educators with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and resources necessary to implement and integrate computer science concepts seamlessly into one?s teaching. Participants will delve into the core principles and concepts within the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning and gain a deeper understanding of how these standards can be woven into diverse subjects to enhance student learning. This session will provide educators with the tools and confidence to anchor their teaching practices in innovation, ensuring that students are prepared to navigate and shape the technological landscape of the future.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, understanding the foundational concepts of computer science is essential for educators preparing students for future innovations, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This presentation will delve into the core principles of computer science that underpin emerging technologies like AI. The session will examine foundational computer science concepts outlined in the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning to understand how these principles support the functionality and considerations involved in developing and using innovative tools like artificial intelligence.