Professional Development

NCCE Microsoft STEM Kickstart

During the summer of 2017, my NCCE partner trainer, Bradley Smrstick and I developed a Microsoft vetted course for the Florida Department of Education entitled Microsoft STEM Kickstart. This professional development focused on providing STEM-based experiential learning experiences for participants to translate into their own classroom. Over the course of two months we traveled through out the state of Florida and held two online webinars for state and district leadership personnel. This course focused on objectives of Microsoft OneNote, embedded Forms, Microsoft Hacking STEM, and best pedagogical practices to make all the magic happen for our students to do their best, most engaging learning.

Results:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

All 100+ participants (including Florida Department of Educator Supervisors) noted the training to be extremely engaging, hands on, and thorough; trainers were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and supportive; and they felt prepared and excited to implement the tools and pedagogical practices within their learning environments.

  • MIE STEM Kickstart at Florida State Scholars program 2017
  • STEM Kickstart webinar
  • STEM Kickstart in Brevard County, FL

PowerMyLearning: Blended Learning and Family Engagement

Part 1 of the PowerMyLearning training install focuses on the functionality and implementation of the platform.

Part 2 of the PowerMyLearning training install focuses on the functionality of data analysis when playlist check points have been implemented.

Results:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

100% of participants would recommend this learning experience to a colleague and 98% of participants now feel prepared to integrate PowerMyLearning into their classroom instruction through blended learning.


Hillsborough County Public Schools Science Department:
Makerspace and STEM Mindset

This training was created uniquely for my school district based on the need identified by colleagues and confirmed by a twitter poll in which majority of voters identified Makerspace and STEM Mindset as an area of interest to learn more about next school year.

5 sessions are being offered during July 2018 and all sessions filled within two day. Results of the training development and delivery are listed below

Results:

1. The training reflected careful planning and organization.   (4.66)

Rating: 4 out of 5.

2. The presenter was well prepared.   (4.85)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

3. Questions and concerns were handled correctly and professionally.    (4.93)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

4. Time was allowed for participants to reflect on and relate material to their experiences and needs.   (4.85)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

5. As a result of this training, I am excited to integrate Makerspaces, STEM mindset, and   the resources shared during training into my instruction.    (4.73)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

6. I would recommend this training to my colleagues.   (4.63)

Rating: 4 out of 5.

7. Overall, this session was a successful training experience for me.   (4.66)

Rating: 4 out of 5.

8. What were the most important things you learned from this training?

  • “I learned about some amazing resources and ideas. I even went home after the training and started looking for some ideas for next year since I plan on having larger classroom!!! Thank you for all the great ideas and for the materials, your passion is infectious!!! :)”
  • “Being able to ask questions and get answers from experienced Makerspace facilitators.”
  • “I can do this!”

9. What content or strategies from the training can you apply in your instruction?

  • “I have always utilized this in science and I don’t teach math, but I hope to somehow incorporate some ideas into my ELA block next year!”
  • “More mini-design challenges that align with standards”
  • “All. Plan to set up classroom or school Makerspace ASAP. Sold in the philosophy and love implementing something that students will love as well.”

10. What were the strengths of the training or the trainer?

  • “OMG! I want to have the enthusiasm and energy of Amanda Glover. I’ve taught for 28 years and I felt real inspiration from her to begin this new adventure in my classroom and possibly my whole school.”
  • “Passionate and super informative!”
  • “Very personable, organized, engaging, and passionate about the subject.”

11. Please list any suggestions for the training materials, or trainer (optional).

  • “More note taking space?”
  • “I would now like a training for more specific lessons for each grade level. Standards based ideas for things needed in maker space to do a stem project”
  • “The pictures were extremely helpful. I think that having a video incorporated into the training that shows a makerspace in action would be beneficial.”

Legends of Learning: Engaging Learning through Game-Based Learning

As a Legends of Learning ambassador, I have earned my LOL cape and doned it proudly as I presented the impacts of utilizing game-based learning into our science curriculum. The versatility of this tools allows teachers to assign playlists for remediation or enrichment, for homework, and to guide whole group instruction.

Results:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

100% of participants stated they saw a relevant way to utilizing Legends of Learning within their science curriculum and are looking forward to being supported within the next phase of implementation.