POSTPONED: Spring Mini-Conference on Technology in Education
We have organized a great technology conference to reflect some of our work on the Southeastern Illinois P-16+ Computational Thinking Network. We had 16 great sessions on computer science, assistive technology, and other topics. However, we did not have enough registrations to follow through with the conference. We have asked the presenters to stay with us and we are working on plans to postpone to September 24th, 2022. This should give us enough time to market the conference and interest our local educators.
Episode 8: Elena Singleton
Episode 8 features Elena Singleton who is a current EIU student. Elena explains how her idea to start an after-school art program for elementary students at Martinsville Elementary School turned into a reality!
Episode 9: Kathy Clark
Episode 9 features Kathy Clark, an EIU faculty member. Kathy taught at Charleston High School for over 30 years as a Family and Consumer Science Teacher. She shares about different community projects she incorporated into her classroom over the years.
Episode 10: Randy Harpster
Episode 10 features Randy Harpster. Randy Harpster has given over 30 years to education and coaching. Randy has had tremendous success coaching basketball, golf, and baseball. In 2017, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. This conversation gives listeners insight into the perspective of a PE teacher, Coach, and Drivers Ed. Instructor.. As he approaches retirement, listen in as he reflects back on some of his favorite memories.
Rural Teacher Corps: New Teacher Mini-Grants
The purpose of the fund is to support future and new rural teachers in southeastern Illinois, especially those who participate in a rural teacher corps in high school, community college, or at EIU. We are pleased to announce our spring 2022 mini-grant award winners:
- Megan Yager, Red Hill CUSD #10: Dissection Introduction (above left)
- Amanda Evinger, Red Hill CUSD #10: Drumsticks (above right)
- McKenzie Vilardo, Charleston HS: Alternative Seating (bottom right)
- JoLynn Garrett, Patoka CUSD #100: Hands-on Activities for Math (bottom center)
- Kody Czerwonka, Buckeye Friends School: Art for Change (bottom left)
Southeastern Illinois P-16+ Computational Thinking Network
The Illinois Innovation Network has awarded funds to EIU for a planning group to develop a regional P-16+ computational thinking network. The group is an outgrowth of remote learning and technology discussions with our partners at Lakeland College, the Math Science Technology Education Center (MSTE) at UIUC, and P-12 educators. We will gather information and facilitate discussions, professional learning, site visits, summer workshops and plan a few pilot sites for the fall. We will meet monthly as a general group and workgroups will meet as necessary. The initial workgroups are Elementary, Secondary, Post-secondary/Workforce development, and Education & Business Partnerships. We are looking for educators and stakeholders to work with us to develop this network.
Please go to our P-16 CT Network webpage and register for updates or working with us:
Upcoming Technology Sessions:
April 19: iPads for Young Children
Valerie Kalagian (Sullivan CUSD #300)
5:00-6:00 PM, Buzzard 1180
Sullivan Site Visit
EIU Rural Teacher Corps students visited Sullivan CUSD #300 for a site visit on March 30th. Thank you Sullivan CUSD #300 for hosting these students!
Upcoming Events:
April 19 @ 5:00-6:00 PM: Tech Session: Using iPads with Children (Buzzard 1180, Zoom)
April 20 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: New Teacher Rural Teacher Corps meeting via Zoom
April 27 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: RTC Monthly Meeting (TBD)
Whether you have any questions to ask or stories to share, we'd love to hear from you!
