The state of today’s classroom is changing and teachers’ ability to adapt and meet the learning needs of their students will be mission critical. UW-Stevens Point, along with the Wisconsin Technology Initiative and other partners, co-hosted a two-day WTI Academic Forum Nov. 14-15 to help administrators, teachers and preservice teachers prepare for today’s classroom. [Photo Gallery]
On Friday, administrators (pictured above) and technology integrators attended the WTI (PRE) Academic Forum: Working Together to Strengthen Wisconsin’s Technology Initiatives. With a mission to improve technology initiatives throughout the state, the two groups discussed the challenges and learning opportunities specific to their job function and objectives.
Preservice teachers (student teachers) throughout the state then took part in Saturday’s A Workshop for Preservice Teachers of Wisconsin specifically designed to provide student teachers with an up close and personal look at the technology tools and resources available to assist in the classroom.
All sessions were led by preservice teachers and covered a range of technology tools, including SMART Board lesson plans, tablets and Google Forms.
The UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies hosted the event in the Center for Collaborative & Interactive Technologies (CCIT) with a group of visiting students from UW-Madison, while connecting locations UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater used telepresence video to connect and collaborate.
The Wisconsin Technology Initiative provides grants to K-12 schools and other educational facilities that are committed to effectively integrating instructional technology into their learning environments. Through the increased availability of interactive whiteboards and technologically savvy teachers, classrooms will have the tools necessary to become engines of innovation that improve student engagement and academic achievement.