Kansas Digital Learning Report 2013 Released

 In conjunction with the second National Digital Learning Day on February 6, 2013, the Kansas State Department of Education is pleased to release the Kansas Digital Learning Report 2013.  The report provides a statewide snapshot of digital learning environments across the state. For related policy documents, dialogue and sharing, see the Kansas Technology Coordinators Group.
Click here for the full report.

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Enduring Impact

Recent events have prompted me to consider the enduring impact that TRC has—and continues to have—on schools and educators across the state.    Last week, we were invited to participate in a Digital Learning Day Proclamation Day signing ceremony at the Governor’s office, and I invited the 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year (and former TRC Facilitator) Dyane Smokorowski and 5 of her students to participate---what a blast!  The group then came and presented at KSDE afterwards—enlightening staff about the Tom Sawyer Video Game Project their classes are working on in their 8th Grade Language Arts Classroom!  Yes—it’s as exciting as it sounds---experts are involved (game developers, artists, historians from the Tom Sawyer museum in Hanover, MO), kids are developing games based on the story and enjoying the experience of becoming programmers, artists, project managers, etc.   Dyane was quick to share the importance of quality professional development---and that it was through her participation in TRC that she came to understand what that really was!  What a testimony!
 
This week, Phase 3 TRC School, Walton Rural Life Center near Newton will play host to State House/Senate Education Committee members seeking to visit exemplary schools!  Walton focused on project-based learning as they transitioned to a Charter School towards the end of their formal TRC project participation---but their goals to become more student centered, to empower students to actively participate, to create opportunities for students to collaborate and mentor others through technology and project-based opportunities---have obviously continued—and then some! I visited with Principal Natise Vogt, who affirmed that the professional development and support, project-based learning focus and technology integration that began with TRC has definitely had an impact. We know, it’s really all about the passionate commitment of the teachers, the amazing leadership and support from school and district administrators (not to mention their fearless facilitator—Rita Betts!), and the collective capacity of everyone that comes together to help support and encourage their success!!  Their TRC Teachers--Kathy Murphy and Derrick  Richling---amazingly---are both still there---and they—and the entire Walton staff should be so proud of all they have accomplished since those early days of Project Based Learning training (remember where you were in Fall 2005?).  KUDOS to Walton Rural Life Center staff and students for this exemplary recognition!

~Melinda Stanley

State Education Technology Coordinator

Kansas State Department of Education

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Digital Learning Day is a national campaign that celebrates teachers and shines a spotlight on successful instructional practice and effective use of technology in classrooms across the country. The inaugural Digital Learning Day boasted tens of thousands of teachers representing nearly 2 million students.
 
The second annual Digital Learning Day is gaining momentum with ongoing activities, ideas, and collaboration opportunities leading up to February 6, 2013. Join the wave of education champions who seek to engage students, celebrate and empower teachers, and create a healthy learning environment, personalized for every child. Participation is free and easy.
 
Are YOU ready to change Teaching & Learning?   http://www.digitallearningday.org
 
Melinda A. Stanley
State Education Technology Coordinator
Kansas State Department of Education

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Mobile Learning Mini-Conference: December 14th, 2012

Welcome conference presenters and attendees!  Click here to join our Mobile Learning group, locate a session of interest, and find handouts, ask questions, and comment throughout the day.  In addition, our twitter hashtag is #mlearnku so be sure to share your new discoveries with everyone!

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WHIRL: We Tip Our Hats!

This week we "tip our hats" to two TRC alumni who have received amazing honors!  The WHIRL Blog Post highlights Dyane Smokorowski, who was named the 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year and Michael Berndt, who was named the 2012 Kansas Milken Educator!

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Kansas Student Technology Leaders

DIGITAL MEDIA COMPETITION

The purpose of this competition is to allow students in Kansas schools an opportunity to showcase their work and to provide a venue to recognize their efforts and achievements.  TRC students are perfect candidates for this event and it gives kids a chance to shine who might no "compete" in sports or music, etc.

Students will present projects they have developed. Project presentations will be judged and awards will be given.

Categories of Competition include:
- Multimedia Presentation
- Social Media Innovation
- Video Production
- Video Production Public Service Announcement
- Website Design

This competition is open to all Kansas students in grades 6 thru 12.

Date: April 3, 2013
Location: KSU Student Union, Manhattan, Kansas

Complete information can be found at: http://mace-ks.org/kstl

Thank you!

 ~ A MACE sponsored event.

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TRC Program Awardees

TRC Program Awardees were announced at our Celebration event, April 26th, 2012. Click here to learn more and to view the exemplary lesson plans and videos!