Break the Forgetting Cycle with Get More Math (9/13/23)
Presenter: Josh Britton, Get More Math
By the end of the school year, students have already forgotten many of their hard-won math concepts. How can we break the forgetting cycle and make math stick? In this session, veteran math teacher Josh Britton will share his proven model for driving long-term retention through emphasis on the pedagogy of cumulative learning and use of Get More Math spiral review software.
Engagement Escalation: A Gameful Approach to Instructional Design (8/9/23)
Presenter: Valary Oleinik, Valary with a Why
With a multitude of distractions and priorities, learners have historically struggled to maintain motivation and engagement in even the most well-designed courses. The on-going challenges and stresses of the ever-changing world and workplace have added to this struggle. This session explores ways to rethink how we define and encourage learner motivation and engagement. We will take a research-backed yet gameful approach to discovering new tools and techniques you can use to make small adjustments that can yield big results. Along the way we will dispel some myths about the field of gamification, learn how different strategies can affect various types of engagement, and how you can help each person become the hero in their own learning journey.
LEARN: A Purpose-Built Infrastructure for Discovery and Learning (7/12/23)
Join us for an insightful webinar as we explore the remarkable contributions of the Lonestar Education and Research Network (LEARN) in Texas. LEARN acts as the vital connector for all of Texas to lnternet2, a collaboration of leading research universities in the US and abroad. Through this partnership, LEARN facilitates scholastic endeavors, promotes discovery, and empowers research communities to find innovative solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. During this webinar, we will delve into LEARN's role as a convener of communities that utilize technology to drive scholastic achievements and advance research. We will also explore the value proposition of LEARN's shared network services, including network attack mitigation tools that enable campuses to continue to provide access to content and resources over LEARN's infrastructure. This event welcomes attendees who are seeking to become part of the vibrant human network, eager to engage in knowledge sharing and exchange best practices. We particularly encourage technology leaders who are interested in forging partnerships with LEARN and leveraging our services to fulfill their organizational missions.
Presenter: Austin Gamble, Member Engagement and Outreach Director, LEARN
Artificial Intelligence for Teaching & Learning (6.14.23)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we view education, and it can make learning more effective and engaging for students. Hear about how the various AI tools such as ChatGPT, Packback, Engageli and more can be applied in the classroom, and how they can be used to improve teaching and learning outcomes. We'll also discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI in the learning environment. This is an important topic for all educators and we hope you'll join us to explore today's innovative teaching tools.
Panelists:
Dr. Brenda Quintanilla, Regional Manager, Innovative Instructional Technology and Learning Services Center for Learning Innovation, Houston Community College Systems; Dr. Chris Bigenho, Director of Virtual Learning Academy, Lewisville ISD; Dr. Ruthanne ‘Rudi’ Thompson, Associate VP, Division of Digital Strategy and Innovation, University of North Texas
Making Your Digital Learning Accessible to All Students and Parents – Including Those with Disabilities (5.10.23)
Do you have questions about digital accessibility? Join us to learn how to ensure your digital learning is accessible to all, including students and parents with disabilities. Judith Risch from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights – and its National Digital Access Team - will walk you through how complaints of discrimination are resolved, talk about the importance of adopting a cohesive institution-wide approach, and preview upcoming changes to the legal landscape. Whether you are a webmaster, an LMS vendor, or someone involved in online instruction, this is a “can’t miss” session that will help increase your understanding of how the Federal government enforces disability rights laws in the digital space, and how you can ensure you are doing your part to comply.
Presenters: Raymond Rose - TxDLA Public Policy Chair, Digital Accessibility Team; Dr. Judith Risch - Co-Team Leader National Digital Accessibility Team, Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education; Dr. Mary Rice - Assistant Professor of Literacy, University of New Mexico
*Note: This session was not recorded at the request of the presenters.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Writers, Virtually (12.14.22)
During this session, we’ll explore how the American Writer’s Museum (AWM) in Chicago is engaging teachers and students virtually to foster conversations about complex issues and encourage the next generation of writers via their new Online Education Program.
The museum’s president, Carey Cranston, will discuss how the Online Education Program was developed with input from teachers. He’ll also share real feedback received from both students and teachers across the country who have participated in the program, and how the museum has pivoted their approach during the pandemic.
While many cultural institutions are offering virtual programming, what makes AWM’s program unique is that not only is AWM the only national museum dedicated to American writers and their works, but also their field trips focus on immigrant, refugee and other diverse writers and explore social issues.
Presenter: Carey Cranston
Carey took on the role of President of the American Writers Museum in Chicago in September of 2016. Prior to that Carey had been serving for 12 years as President of Fox College, a private career college in Chicago, and prior to that he was a Vice President at Hill & Knowlton, a global PR firm, where he led digital and web services with several major clients. He also served as Director of Technology and E-commerce at Kemper Lesnik Communications, a local PR firm in Chicago. Early in his career, Carey taught writing at UIC and DePaul and worked at both the DePaul University Library and at Kroch’s & Brentano’s Bookstore. Carey earned a B.A. in English from DePaul University summa cum laude, a M.A in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a M.S. in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana.
Live Well! (11.9.22)
Do you love the life you live? As professionals, we learn to live and look the part, and juggle our personal and work life, like a Boss. But do you ever feel like things on the inside are different? Maybe you are feeling drained, running on reserves, tired of the monotony of life, devoid of joy and wondering if this is ‘it’?
If you can relate, then join me as we reconnect with ourselves and incorporate some simple wellness practices into life, so that the next time you are asked, ‘Do you love the life you live?’ it can be answered with an honest and resounding, ‘YES!’.
Presenter: Tanja Smiley
Tanja Smiley has been a secondary educator for 20+ years, both as a classroom and an online teacher. She began serving the Lewisville ISD community in 2006, after defecting from the “Golden State” of California and moving her family to the great “Lone Star” state of Texas. Since 2012, Tanja has dedicated her efforts full time to the Virtual Learning Academy and helping students be successful in their online courses. She has served as both teacher and mentor for students.
