Casual, ongoing professional development on technology makes a difference at one district
Every Wednesday from 2:45-6:45, the fresh aroma of “personalized” coffee choices from the Keurig fills the air and our teachers settle in to work individually or with their colleagues at the Technology CAFÉ. At the Carson City School District’s Professional Development Center, CAFÉ means more than just providing coffee and snacks: It refers to the ongoing, personalized professional development teachers need to transform their teaching and their students’ learning with technology.
The name evokes a place of conversation and relaxation, but it also defines our special house blend of PD: C-Create, Collaborate, and Connect, A-Advocate, model, and teach digital citizenship, F-Facilitate blended learning experiences, E-Engage in professional learning opportunities.
Starting in the spring of 2014, in conjunction with our rollout of one-to-one laptops for all 1,800 middle school students (grades 6-8), the district’s technology integration specialists identified the need to provide weekly professional development for teachers, beyond the four in-service days already scheduled. Out of this need, the Technology CAFÉ became a reality, and has continued to increase this year with the rollout of 1,800 more laptops for grades 3-5 at all six of our elementary schools.…Read More