Digital escape rooms, virtual field trips, stop-motion animation, “Amazing Race” adventures, Google, and all things technology were on the agenda for Gwinnett County Public Schools’ 2019 Digital Learning Conference.
About 500 teachers and presenters attended multiple sessions during the event last month where they engaged in hands-on activities and group collaborations. Educators learned about emerging digital tools that could help them create custom content, develop interactive classroom lessons, and incorporate digital learning into any lesson, topic, or assignment.
Alicia Hill, a 4th grade teacher at Cooper ES, says some of the most popular topics at the conference were eliminating classroom paper waste, and helping students learn how to use emerging digital programs in, and out, of the classroom.
As technology continues to develop and improve, integration into classrooms is inspiring teachers to get even more creative as they enhance learning environments for their students.
“The conference has helped me cultivate the skills I need to enhance classroom learning with technology, and as a result it’s not overwhelming,” adds Brittany Merritt, a Snellville MS 6th grade social studies teacher.
“I’m an ‘old dog’ trying to learn new tricks, and I’m working to simplify my digital teaching life,” says Cheryl Nakahata, who works with the Special Education department at Pinckneyville MS. The teacher says the variety of high-quality sessions are helping prepare her for the new year. She adds, “There have been so many great takeaways that I will bring back to my classroom.”
Among the highlights for attendees were the opportunities at the conference to engage with each other and take valuable information back to their schools to enhance classroom learning for students.
Presenter and attendee Kyle Flemish, a local school technology coordinator at Harmony ES, agrees. “Everything we’re doing here at the conference is going to benefit the students.”