Recent technology and learning Regional Leadership Summit at the NIU Naperville Conference Center, outside Chicago, focused on preparing the next generation workforce. It brought together area district administrators and service agencies who delved into what it means to teach in the age of ai.
District leaders worked in teams to explore how emerging technology has impacted teaching and learning, including how to examine tools, assess data privacy risks, and prepare staff and students for the Generative Era.
Find information about upcoming technology and Learning Leadership Summits here.
Key takeaways
1. ANTIDOTES FOR THE ANXIOUS GENERATION
During his keynote speech, Carl Hooker discussed whether or not to ban cell phones in the classroom. It also addressed the need for educators to be equipped with strategies to address student anxiety through mindfulness, social-emotional learning (SEL) techniques, and effective classroom management.
For example, one strategy revolves around raising awareness about notifications and helping students learn to mute and/or regulate what notifications they receive on their phones, which can directly help them with their concentration, especially when they are working, collaborating. or being productive. Discussing this with students helps them create more proactive solutions for their own approach. Do they need to receive notifications about the Snapchat group or can it wait until after school? What things do they need to be notified about immediately? What happens to learning when they are distracted? Reflecting on these and other questions can be the first step in addressing the problem.
See the Hooker's Seven antidotes for the anxious generation here.
2. WINNING IMPACT OF ESPORTS
During his presentation, “Scholastic Esports: More Than Just Gaming,” John Phillips, technology and innovation consultant at Berrian RESA, discussed the far-reaching impact of scholastic esports.
Phillips explained how esports equips students with many more skills than just gaming. He cited research that showed esports can help:
- Improve visual acuity and attention.
- Promote scientific reasoning.
- Accelerate language learning
- Improve digital and print literacy
- Increase problem-solving skills.
- Boost math performance
- Develop technological fluency
He cited dozens of career paths that stem from esports experience, including business, IT, sales and marketing, education, event management, communications and media, and more.
Phillips also noted that the average student with an esports scholarship receives $4,800 in tuition scholarships annually, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, but some may receive up to half the tuition.
Phillips works with North American School Sports Federation (NASEF)a nonprofit organization that offers free esports tournaments and more to help students develop STEAM-based collaboration and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in work and life.
3. BUILD COMMITMENT AND EQUITY
Chicago Public Schools attendees discussed Chi-Craftthe district's Minecraft Build Challenge after-school esports program. Inspired by “New York City Public Schools”Battle of the districts“, the new program has more than 500 students from more than 70 schools and, unlike other extracurricular programs and activities that may require certain physical skills and abilities, all students are eligible to participate.
Using Minecraft Education, the competition involves “Build and Present Challenges” that are graded using a STEM-based rubric. Basically, students receive a 3D creative writing prompt that includes key vocabulary and Chicago-centered resources. In return, they create innovative architecture, beautiful murals, and “out of this world” constructions.
Innovative Leader Award Winners
At the close of the technology and Learning Leadership Summit, the following leaders were recognized for their outstanding work in their districts:
- Innovative technology Director – Greg Reichelt, Director of technology, Maine Township HSD 207
- The best example of professional development – Callie Salaymeh, Educational technology Trainer, Lyons Township School District 204
- Innovative Superintendent – Travis McGuire, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, Community High School District 99, Downers Grove, Illinois
- Best overall technology implementation – Chicago Public Schools, Chi-Craft Esports Competition
A special thank you to our partners who made these important conversations possible:
Apptegia
D2L
class link
IncidentIQ
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Find information about upcoming technology and Learning Leadership Summits here.
