Technology Integration Workshop

Educators will be energized and motivated by how much they learn during keynote and breakout sessions at TIW. Attendees are introduced to new and emerging  educational technologies, as well as challenged to create an innovative unit plan for their classroom. The sessions are lively and timely, with discussion on new and leading educational trends.

Many experienced educators and other presenters will share their knowledge during the workshop, encouraging attendees to think differently about how students can most effectively learn. Breakout sessions are used to introduce updated teaching strategies, innovative educational technology tools, and accessible resources to support increased student engagement in the classroom.

Popular sessions include:

• Building Classroom Community
• Coding
• Digital Collaborations
• Digital Accessibility
• Formative Assessments
• Technology Through an Equity Lens
• Video Creation and Use
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Updates and Changes to Google Classroom

During the workshop, educators are assigned to small groups, led by Technology Integration Specialists. These Specialists are experienced educators and tech integrationists who serve as coaches, guides, and mentors. Throughout the workshop they support the members of their small group as each person develops an individual unit plan and processes information learned.

Educators are also matched with a volunteer from a leading Twin Cities business for a job shadow experience to better understand the workplace. You’ll discuss today’s work environment, what employers are seeking in young employees, and trends in business and their industry. This allows educators to hear about the most desirable workplace skills and then turn in prepare students for future careers.

Each participant leaves the workshop with an updated unit plan that will be ready for the upcoming school year. Prior to attending, educators pre-select the unit plan they will work on, then during the workshop, participants are given dedicated time to apply the new information they’ve learned to modify and update that unit plan. For attendees who aren’t classroom teachers (i.e. counselors, principals, media specialists), they may work on a developing a project or school event such as a Career Expo in place of a unit plan. At the conclusion of the workshop, all completed unit plans are posted to BestPrep’s Electronic Lesson Library (click the button below to view plans previously created during the workshop).