Apple Showcase Event

Today our district hosted 2 sites visits for visitors from all over Illinois and Indiana.  I cannot tell you how invigorating it is to hear what others have to say about our district and all of the amazing teaching and learning going on.

Some feedback from the evaluation form:

"Hands on learning. Variety of lessons and activities. Teachers were focused on learning but the students controlled their learning. Very collaborative!"

"Great examples and models of collaboration, and creative engagement by both students and teachers.
Student demonstrated an understanding of their responsibility. It was good to hear them articulate their understanding."

"I was very impressed with the level of student engagement and teacher support." 

"Loved seeing all the students actively involved in learning and all conversation between the students were focused on the lesson. Students all looked happy and engaged!" 

Today was an exciting event!  I hosted a site visit for some school districts interested in 1:1 and eChalk.   Participating in the visit were our eChalk sales executive, our client manager, and the CEO of eChalk.  I truly enjoyed sharing our story with both the visitors and with our special guests.  eChalk has played such an important role in facilitating our 1:1 environment and it was wonderful for them to see it first hand.

The day was filled with great conversation about student engagement, 1:1 learning, curriculum, common core standards, and the future of education.

Site Visit

Today I helped host a site visit for 2 districts - one from Oak Park and one from Iowa.  I had the privilege of escorting a group to visit classes at Heritage.  They were incredibly impressed with Charlie, of course!

Charlie speaking with visitors

It was exciting to listen to their comments about our district....here are a few

• "Surprised to see how engaged students are"
• "Technology is being use to amplify teaching" (from Charlie)
• "Engagement allows for differentiation"
• "Students are learning tech skills at the same time as content"
• "Students want to share their learning"
• "Learning is continual when kids take device home"

Some teachers came to answer questions as well.....Al spoke about giving kids choices in projects (and that he didn't need to be an expert in using the applications!), Kerry spoke about finding the instructional balance as a new teacher, and Megan spoke about how technology has given some kids a "voice" that they didn't have before.