A VISION FOR 21st CENTURY TEACHING AND LEARNING
Sandusky City Schools has been awarded three 21st Century: Transforming Teaching and Learning Grants at: Sandusky High School, Adams Junior High and Osborne Elementary. Teams of teachers at each school will receive intensive coaching and will then serve as instructional leaders in their buildings. In addition, each site will be equipped with mobile laptop carts, document cameras, response systems, video cameras, and a host of other technologies to enhance communication and collaboration skills. The focus on this initiative is changing instructional practices and engaging students in relevant, authentic learning.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: TRAINING THAT CHANGES PRACTICE AND INSTRUCTION
“The 21st century classroom not only has modern tools, equipment and content; it also includes an innovative educator who has been trained to use the tools effectively. Ongoing professional development supports the life-long growth of a teacher and ultimately each student. Ongoing professional development should not only train teachers how to use technology, but also how to integrate technology into the curriculum. Educators can engage in professional development through access to online courses, professional learning communities, and education portals with resources.” * eTech Ohio
STUDENT LEARNNG: LEARNING THAT IS ENGAGING AND RELEVANT
“The vision for a transformed school is one in which students are engaged in authentic and relevant work using the appropriate tools that enable them to accomplish tasks. It's an environment where they are free to create, discuss and learn. Students are utilizing technology tools to access and analyze information, contact experts, collaborate in spite of physical boundaries, create presentations to inform real audiences and solve real-world problems in a variety of venues. The work is interesting and meaningful and it involves the learning of content in the context of themes like global awareness, economic, financial and civic literacy. Through their work, students are developing a deeper understanding of the content all while acquiring skills in communication, critical thinking and information and media literacies. These students are preparing to live and work in the 21st century.” * eTech Ohio