Learning & Technology Workshops for DC Area Schools

[Chad Fairey]

Hello all, 

For those schools that are in the Washington, DC area, I wanted to share an opportunity that may interest your teachers or administrators.    From August 15th to 19th, 2011, Washington International School will be sponsoring and hosting The Connections Institute ~ Professional Learning for a Contemporary World.  The central theme behind the institute is to provide a series of full-day workshops that use digital tools as a medium for exploring thinking, creativity, problem-solving and collaboration in the classroom. Participants are welcome to register for a single day, multiple days, or even all five if interested.   We have 12 discrete topics lined up over the course of the week, with several options on each day.   Workshop facilitators include WIS faculty and administrators as well as specialists from local schools and organizations; among the facilitators we have Apple Distinguished Educators, Google Certified Educators and SMART Certified Trainers.   Topics for the Institute include:

• productivity, communication and collaboration with Google Apps
• promoting problem-solving and creativity with Scratch
  
• blended learning and facilitating student thinking online
  
• power and principles of effective presentations
• podcasting, "flip thinking" and iTunes University
• project development with SMART Notebook
• the art of harnessing creativity with digital film
• digital design studio
• digital portfolios as a tool for professional reflection, sharing and growth
• designing challenge-based learning activities for solving global problems
• assistive technologies

Fees for the institute are $125 per day on an a la carte basis, or $450 as a discounted rate for all five days of the institute (would normally be $625 for all five days).  All meals will be included.   Please feel free to browse the institute's offerings at http://institute.wis.edu and let me know if you have any additional questions.  Hope to see you in August!

Best, 

Chad Fairey

Associate Head of School
Washington International School

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