vermont connected - k-12 goes digital
DESCRIPTION
Through presentations by those who work in and for Vermont’s schools, as well as those who develop and implement online educational platforms, we explore how technology can aid and improve student learning, in traditional classrooms and beyond.TRANSCRIPT
Educating for a Digital WorldK-12 Goes Digital: A Panel of Stories & Ideas
K-12 Goes Digital (A1)
• Peter Drescher, Agency of Education (Moderator)
• John Dawson, Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union
• Jeff Renard, Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative
• Betsy Calhoun, Lake Region Union High School
Peter Drescher
• Assists schools in using & acquiring technology to support learning
• Guides policy discussions
• Advocates for increased broadband access & continual development of new opportunities to virtual and blended learning.
• Board Chair for the State Education Technology Directors Association (SETDA)
Education Technology
Coordinator, Vermont Agency of
Education
John Dawson
• A lifelong learner who holds several IT credentials
• Before joining BRSU in his current role, worked with Champlain Valley High School for 10 years
• Passion is harnessing technology to personalize education
• Believes it takes students AND their personal support networks of teachers, parents, counselors and friends to be successful
Learning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT
John DawsonLearning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT
● Lateral Innovation● Common Ecosystem● Connected People● Broad Curriculum● Multiple Pathways● Standards Based Evidence
John DawsonLearning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT
John DawsonLearning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT
What do they know?
What do they need to know?
How will they get there?
What if they don’t? What if they do?
Betsy CalhounM. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
• The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Betsy CalhounM. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
• Tech Savvy Girls
Betsy CalhounM. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
• Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
Betsy CalhounM. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
• Century 21 ACCOUNTING & http://www.aplia.com/accounting/
Jeff RenardDirector
Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative
VTVLC Partner Schools-Schools that have at least one teacherwho facilitates an online course
-Schools may enroll up to 25 studentseach semester tuition-free
-Schools pay an annual support fee
-Open to all Vermont students/schools
Enrollment
Requests
Learning takes place:
Anytime: No bells, learning is not
limited to a schedule
Any Place: No restrictions on location
Any Pace: Adjustments for struggling
and accelerating students
Greater availability of courses to expand
options not available locally
Greater accessibility to courses that
interfere with student schedules
Greater flexibility to learn at times that
maximize student success
Key Goals:
“I am a musician and a
dancer. Between two
music classes, and my
normal course load, I
wasn’t able to fit
Algebra II into my
schedule. I also didn’t
want to have to take
either Orchestra or
Band out of my
schedule.”
“In order to attain
more diversity
and freedom to
take the types of
courses I am
interested in, I
decided to enroll
in VTVLC for a
total of three AP
classes this
year.”
“I was unhappy with a
class I was scheduled
for because I felt that
it wouldn’t help my
future as being an
engineer. I spoke with
my counselor about
things that I could do
about this and he told
me about the VTVLC
online course.”
“Ultimately, in order
to take some
important AP
courses for my
college future, I
needed to “free up”
some time during
my day. VTVLC
offered me that
time option and
flexibility.”
“I am taking the
VTVLC Chinese
course because I find
learning languages to
be fun, and I see
knowing Mandarin to
be beneficial in my
future.”
“I wanted to take
two math classes
this year but it
didn’t fit into my
schedule; so I got
the idea to take
an online class.”
“VTVLC challenged me
to become a better
student as well as
taught me traits that will
get me far in life. These
include communication
with my teacher and
peers, perseverance,
and consistently getting
my assignments in on
time.”
Equitable Access
VTVLC expands the breadth and depth of course options to students, regardless of where they reside in Vermont, by removing the barrier
of time and place.
(73 courses/sections of core academics, AP® courses, world languages, electives, health and personal fitness, and dual enrollment courses)
Contact the Panelists
• Peter Drescher, Agency of Education [email protected]
• John Dawson, Learning Systems Consultant [email protected]
• Jeff Renard, Vermont Virtual Learning [email protected]
• Betsy Calhoun, Lake Region Union High [email protected]