Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have become hot topics in schools. With the use of Google Expeditions, students can travel to almost anywhere in the world within seconds. Science and social studies standards then come to life because students are immersed in different situations, locations, and cultures.  Students are more engaged and exhibit deeper thinking as they ask complicated questions about what they are experiencing. Using an AR app, students can transpose virtual objects into the real world, allowing them to “hold” objects like a human heart while learning about the different parts and functions.  Although seeing through VR goggles and holding AR objects are amazing opportunities, many students are ready for the next step: creation. Come learn how to not only integrate VR and AR into your standards but also how to move your students to the next step of creating their own Mixed Reality (MR). 

The Focus Friday programs offer teachers the opportunity to look into a variety of topics while at NCCAT,  a recognized national leader in professional development programming for teachers, for a day. Come be a part of NCCAT’s daylong professional development session. Breakfast and lunch is included. A limited number of rooms are available if you need to arrive the night before. The programs will be at the NCCAT Cullowhee campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

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Our students live in a digital world with the ability to contact anyone, anywhere, anytime. How can we catch up with them? Enter this world and acquire skills needed to navigate the ebb and flow of the digital age. Learn to facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools. Empower all students by developing technology-enriched learning experiences. Gain confidence and skill in accessing information as you integrate technology seamlessly into your curriculum. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility. Capitalize on your students’ excitement and guide them on a safe, legal, and ethical journey into the digital universe.

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It is no surprise that students in the upper elementary and middle grades have different instructional needs. This is the time when they change the most. Meeting these needs in the math classroom can be challenging and overwhelming. This program will demonstrate to teachers how to utilize the math workshop framework as an avenue to reach these varied learning needs. Teachers will learn how to create new delivery methods and class structures to differentiate for students by modifying lessons they already use. Development of critical thinking tasks that address the rigor of the Common Core and meets students at their level will be explored to strengthen teachers’ expertise.

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Designed for teachers of grades 4–12

The statistics are consistent: young male readers lag behind their female counterparts in literacy skills. In many instances, the reading scores of boys bring down the reading scores for the entire school. Explore the social, psychological, and developmental reasons why boys lag behind girls. Identify reading materials you can use in your classroom to capture and keep the attention of your struggling readers. Experience a variety of instructional methods such as text selection designed for boys, contests and competitions, focus reading groups, and the latest websites and blogs to boost literacy achievement. Discover solutions to capture the attention of reluctant male readers.

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Designed for current Canvas users.

Canvas, North Carolina’s Learning Management System (LMS), is your place for one-stop learning and course management. For this training, teachers who are currently using Canvas in their districts will create modules, pages, lessons, assessments, and discussions. Learn to create a professional-looking course with buttons and banners. Design an ePortfolio for professional use and have time to collaborate with other Canvas users. This program will provide time to design their courses and get ideas and feedback from other NC Canvas users.

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Designed for teachers of grades K–8.

Today’s students use phones, tablets, computers, video games, etc. as ways to get information. Information does not always link to understanding! What types of strategies do teachers use to include this type of information sourcing? Are literacy strategies the same for traditional text as they are for digital text? Discuss the digital divide and the complexities involved with nontraditional text. Investigate strategies for digging deeper into digital text. Explore a variety of digital tools you can use to make literacy instruction and learning more authentic and relevant.

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