ReturnA Taste of TIN: The Teacher Innovation Network that Strives for #NoBoredStudent
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Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 3
Participate and share: Poster 
Trips and ToursPresenters
Session description
Purpose & objective
Participants will be able to leave with accessible ways to try new edtech platforms, tools, strategies, and structures for any grade level and any subject to enhance student engagement and learning. Additionally, participants will be able to connect with a vast network of teachers that support and promote a growth-mindset in order to experiment and try new ways to use technology in the classroom. Participants will also be able to apply their knowledge during the session, leaving with applicable experience to get started on their own while also having access to a vast library of tutorials and examples on the Teacher Innovation Network website.
Outline
. Introduction (5 minutes)
Welcome and introduction to the session
Brief overview of the Teacher Innovation Network (TIN) and its purpose
Introduce the TIN team
II. Sharing EdTech Playground “Gems” (15 minutes)
Highlighting inspiring lesson ideas and takeaways from the previous TIN EdTech Playground meetings
Discussing the impact of these initiatives on student engagement and achievement
III. Interactive Exploration (15 minutes)
Engaging participants in interactive activities and hands-on exploration of selected EdTech tools and resources
Demonstrating practical applications of the showcased innovations
Encouraging participants to share their own ideas and experiences both in person and digitally using a tool such as Padlet
Providing space for interactive crowd-sourcing resources
IV. Collaborative Discussion (5 minutes)
Facilitating a brief group discussion on the importance of collaboration and community in EdTech innovation
Sharing strategies for fostering collaboration among educators and students, highlighting those that have worked for TIN
Using a digital tool such as Padlet to make these contributions visual
V. Networking and Future Play Dates (5 minutes)
Introducing attendees to the Teacher Innovation Network and its benefits
Inviting participants to join the network and become part of a vibrant community of EdTech innovators
Extending an open invitation to future play dates and collaborative events
VI. Q&A and Closing Remarks (5 minutes)
Addressing any questions or concerns from the participants
Summarizing key takeaways from the session
Expressing gratitude to the attendees and concluding the session
Supporting research
The techniques and strategies presented during the session are informed by a combination of research, frameworks, and the collective experiences of educators within the Teacher Innovation Network (TIN). Here's an overview:
Research-Informed Practices: The session draws upon established research and best practices in the field of educational technology, creativity, and student engagement. For example, practices and strategies from the SAMR and TPACK framework are embedded into the application of the EdTech tools presented, emphasizing purposeful tech use with students. Additionally, the content is curated to align with evidence-based approaches that have shown positive outcomes in enhancing student learning experiences by keeping learning social, ensuring that the tech adds value, and making the learning authentic (Kolb, 2018).
Teacher Experiences: The effectiveness of the techniques and strategies presented is supported by the experiences and feedback of educators within the Teacher Innovation Network (TIN). The positive responses, including the statement that this was the "best PD they've ever attended," indicate that the content and methods employed have resonated with participants and led to tangible benefits in their teaching practices.
Network Growth: The continuous growth of the Teacher Innovation Network (TIN) itself serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the techniques and strategies shared during the session. As more educators join the network and actively participate in collaborative initiatives, it indicates their belief in the value and impact of the shared practices.
Kolb, L. (2018, September 28). Research-based Tech Integration Strategies. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-based-tech-integration-strategies/
Session specifications
Collaborator
- Use collaborative tools to expand students' authentic, real-world learning experiences by engaging virtually with experts, teams and students, locally and globally.
- Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.
- Foster a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals and outcomes in both independent and group settings.