Tailored Experience: EdTechTeam Professional Development Grant Winner

South Carolina Connections Academy (SCCA) formed its first grants committee last fall. The committee was tasked with finding opportunities that would benefit the students in our unique virtual setting. We learned of the EdTechTeam professional development grant opportunity from a teacher who attended a summer session. Our grants writing team began with an idea, “What does graduation mean to you?” and went from there.

While we had a rationale for our specific need for the professional development training of our teachers, we wanted a video that would represent our uniqueness, and we wanted to have some fun! The video was a fun and unique experience in not only learning about the knowledge of our students but their willingness to learn. The video explored each student’s opinion on graduation and how technology can prepare them for it. Although a simple question, it was evident that our students, and all students in the 21st century, need a strong foundation in technology to be successful in school and beyond.

SCCA was ecstatic to learn of the news of winning the grant. Our first time trying something like this and we won! We are so grateful to have worked with the EdTechTeam who tailored our school’s professional development to match our specific needs in the virtual world. Mary Ellen West was a delightful presenter who had innate knowledge about what it means to be a virtual educator.

Teachers who participated overwhelming agree, “The session was amazing! The presenter was knowledgeable, and it really felt personalized to our needs at SCCA.” Participants were engaged, challenged, and received expert guided practice. Going forward, teachers are now equipped with practical tools, such as Flipgrid, to further build connectivity and cultivate creativity with students in the virtual environment. This training will surely improve the outcome of student engagement in technology-focused instruction. Everyone who attended LOVED it.