"Kids Can Do Amazing Things!"

by Colleen Worrell, Secondary Technology Integration Coordinator

 

Chris Lehmann, the Principal of Science Leadership Academy (SLA), a magnet school in Philadelphia), was an inspiring keynote speaker at this year's MassCUE. He talked about SLA, where students learn in a project-based environment and the core values of inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation and reflection inform every course. Yet for me and many of the other attendees, it was his thoughts on why we need to help students become "Thoughtful, wise, passionate, and kind" that stood out. He encouraged us to remember that kids are capable of doing amazing things and to consider ways we can best support and encourage them to discover and develop their passions. This, he argued, is the only way to truly develop life-long learners who can and will help to make the world a better place.

 

MassCUE's annual conference brings together educators from across the state to share ideas and best practices. It also give technology staff direct access to vendors and other specialists, allowing them the time and opportunity to explore tech tools and services that might benefit their district. 

 

This year had a great showing for Hopkinton, with teachers and administrators attending and facilitating sessions. HHS teachers Fred Haas and Sterling Worrell led a session entitled "Building a Student Journalism Program: Empowering Project-Based Learning & Digital Literacies." HPS Tech Director Ashoke Ghosh shared tips on launching a 1:1 program. Elmwood School's Lauren Mack presented on "flipping" the elementary classroom and Hopkins School's Nili Bartley led a session on "going digital" with Animoto. Finally, I led two think tank sessions (one on 1:1 laptop programs and another on blended learning).  A number of other teachers including Devon Grilly (Science) and Shari Meyer (English) from the HS, Linda Colby (Tech Integration Coordinator) from the MS, Christine Gniadek and Stephanie Doty (Elementary Tech Integration Coordinators), and David Bernstein (4th Grade) from Hopkins were in attendance and brought back great ideas to try out in the classroom and share with colleagues.

Great job everyone!