Taking full advantage of using technology as a teaching tool was the focus for educators Megan VanEssen and Sherrilyn Klaassen from Adrian Elementary who recently participated in BestPrep’s Technology Integration Workshop (TIW) through sponsorship provided by KAHR Foundation. This professional development opportunity helps educators enliven their lessons by utilizing technology and workplace skills, and has been a successful program of BestPrep for the past thirteen years.
BestPrep partnered with the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business to host 81 educators from 47 schools across Minnesota. The four-day workshop ran from August 1-4 and gave educators the opportunity to hear from experts in the field of educational technology as well as take part in small group breakout sessions which focused on their technological needs. Digital Assessment Tools, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Google Apps for Education were among the topics discussed. Participants also brought a unit plan they wanted to modify, and with the help of a Technology Integration Specialist, developed a technology infused unit plan to bring back to their school this fall.
About her experience, Sherrilyn Klaassen shared, “The TIW was so good and has given me many ideas to use this coming year. There were many, many resources and ideas shared. It was just great.”
On Tuesday each educator spent time job shadowing volunteers from the Minnesota business community. These volunteer business partners came from such companies as General Mills, Thomson Reuters, and Travelers. The Business Partners gave educators insight into the professional skills students will need to be successful in the future. The goal of the job shadow experience is to help educators develop relevant curriculum that connects with real-world applications.
“With the rapid, day-to-day advancement of technology, educators need to continually educate themselves on what’s new, in order to remain ahead of the curve. BestPrep hopes that through their participation in the Technology Integration Workshop, educators will understand how to best utilize today’s technology to teach their students,” said Bonnie Vagasky, TIW Program Manager at BestPrep.
