Digital Learning Events

 

 

 

 

 

Enhance Classroom Instruction with the Power of Digital Learning!

 

Explore innovative workshops, conferences, and special events on a variety of digital learning topics designed to enhance your classroom in a traditional or virtual environment. For more information about these professional learning opportunities, e-mail digitallearning@esc4.net.

 

 

 

---

 

 

Region 4’s 2023 Instructional Technology Leadership Academy will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2023. Our goal is to provide exceptional hands-on and engaging professional development where leaders can enhance their skill set and network with other professionals.

 

 

---

 

 

---

New Learning Opportunity

 

New Course Available for registration (Fall and Spring 23-24)!

 

Region 4 is excited to partner with We Teach_CS and TACC to bring you Computer Science I!

 

Computer Science I

Computer Science I is available on the Texas Virtual Schools Network (TXVSN), offered through a partnership between the Region 4 Education Service Center and WeTeach_CS of the Texas Advanced Computing Center at The University of Texas at Austin. This course was developed by a team of highly qualified computer science teachers, led by John Owen, a veteran Texas CS teacher, and WeTeach_CS Computer Science Project Manager.  Join WeTeach_CS teachers as you learn Scratch, Jeroo, and Java.

 

This course:

• completely aligns with the TEA TEKS for Computer Science I
• counts as high school credit for your students
• serves as a Pre-AP course, perfect for preparing students to continue into a second year of studying for the CSA AP test
• is 100% online

Click here for more information about this new course!

 

The curriculum will be delivered through Codio, an online lesson platform and programming environment that's perfect for virtual learning. Throughout the year, regular live virtual meetings will be offered to give students the chance to interact with instructors throughout the course. All instructors are certified by TXVSN, and all students will earn this credit towards their high school diploma, just as if a local instructor was teaching the course.

 

For any questions, please reach out to Lisa McMillan lisa.mcmillan@esc4.net.

 

 

Registration Fee: $375 (per semester)

 

 

TXVSN (start here)

1. At the top of the page, select the Parents and Students tab > First Steps
   Read this section for general information and guidance on registering for a course. Registration for this TXVSN course is handled through your school or district via the TXVSN site coordinator (you cannot register directly). View the course catalog on this site to make your selection.
2. Scroll down this page to view the course catalog (use the filter menu on the left to select the school year (23-24),  school semester (fall or spring), and, at the bottom of the page, select the provider (Education Service Center, Region 4)

3. Choose Computer Science I-A for Fall and Computer Science I-B for Spring. (*note you must register for both semesters as this is a yearlong course)

 

 

 

---

 

Join Region 4 for Our Annual TexQuest Virtual Learning Conference

 

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m

Session ID: #1617452

 

Join us for a full day of TexQuest! Get to know the resources, best practices for implementation, and classroom uses. Customize your own schedule with "how-to" sessions from TexQuest providers. Sessions will be available for basic/experienced and elementary/secondary TexQuest users. Have your digital device ready and we'll help you find the resources to use in your classroom tomorrow!

 

Register Now!

 

---

 

 

 

https://www.esc4.net/innovationchallenge
 

---

Professional Development Opportunities

 

 

September 2023

 

From Consumers to Creators: Empowering Students with Canva for Education (new)

Discover the endless possibilities of empowering your students with Canva. Join our hands-on workshop where we'll take you through the various ways students can use Canva to showcase their knowledge. In this session, we will provide practical tips and strategies for integrating this design tool into your curriculum to encourage active learning. We will also review the workflow for creating Canva assignments in Canvas. With Canva for Education, the possibilities for transformation are limitless!  K-12 teachers can sign up for a free Canva for Education account at https://www.canva.com/education/
 

Virtual Session | September 25, 2023 | 4:15 p.m.–5: 15 p.m. | Fee: $45.00 
 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

October 2023

 

Digital Feedback and Assessment Tools You Could Use

We'll share some amazing digital feedback and assessment tools that you can implement into your classroom instruction. After all, they need to hear from you, and you need data to drive your instruction.

 

 

Virtual Session | October 2, 2023  | 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Fee: $45.00 

 

Show like a Pro: Virtual Gallery Walk, Portfolio, and Collaborative Space Tools for Your Classroom (new)

Show what you know! In this session, you’ll explore platforms such as Wakelet, Padlet, and Canva Whiteboards to help your students organize, curate, and share their learning!

 

Virtual Session | October 4, 2023 | 4:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m. | Fee: $45.00
 

 

Copyright, Fair Use, and OER for the PreK–12 Classroom

This session will provide a brief overview of copyright and fair use guidelines for using content and resources in the PreK–12 classroom. Open Educational Resources (OER) will also be discussed and shared in this session.

 

Virtual Session | October 5, 2023 | 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.  | Fee: $45.00 
 

 

Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: The Future Is Now

Artificial Intelligence has quickly become a “hot topic” in the K12 education world! Join us as we talk about what AI is, share the big ideas connected to AI, review instructional considerations, and highlight ideas for integrating AI into instruction.

 

Virtual Session | October 11, 2023 | 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Fee: $35.00
 

 

5E’s and 4C’s with Ease 

This session is designed to help you use the 5E Instructional Model in a way that supports the 4Cs with innovative problem-solving and creative practices. This will enable you to craft lessons that are engaging and motivating. It will also help you progress toward mastery and integrate digital tools as instructional resources

 

Virtual Session |  October 31, 2023  | 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Fee: $45.00 

 

 

---

 

 

 

For more information, you can also check out our professional development catalog here.

 

 

Request Professional Development or Technical Assistance
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

Ongoing Training Opportunities

 

Self-Paced in Canvas^®   Foundations of Blended Learning: Packing for The Journey

 

This course will lay the foundation for using the blended learning framework in the classroom. Learn how to plan and design instruction that supports learners as the focal point and center of the learning experience, while maximizing the use of intentional digital tools.



Self-Paced  |  Session ID: 1790502  |   Registration Fee: $40.00
 

 

Self-Paced in Canvas^®   Digital Tools & Strategies for Fostering Student Engagement and Rigor in the Blended Learning Classroom

In this course, we'll provide you with professional learning experience that will equip you with digital tools and strategies for blended learning instruction that is student-centered, engaging, and fueled by curriculum goals. Our purpose is to help you create an awesome learning experience for ALL students in both face-to-face and virtual classroom environments.

 

Self-Paced  |  Session ID: 1790510  |  Registration Fee: $40.00

 

 

---

 

 

Interested in Learning More?

 

Do you need a thought partner on a new initiative or have a question about a digital tool?

Reach out to any of us and we can assist.