Digital learning is a broad category that encompasses the use of digital resources and technology to enhance and differentiate instruction. The number of available options, however, can be overwhelming. Gain experience with free high-quality tools for: video and audio production, blended lessons, games in education, online content, augmented reality, digital formative assessment, and LMS (Learning Management Systems). Participants will explore these digital tools as students, determine how to use them effectively as teachers, and leave NCCAT with a virtual toolbox of techniques to take back to the classroom.

In accordance with North Carolina’s Read to Achieve program, discover literacy initiatives and best practices for developing an enriched reading and writing environment for the early grades classroom. Examine teaching strategies that link literacy and play, develop phonological and print awareness, and create engaging read-aloud experiences. Support emergent reading and writing by integrating literacy instruction into all aspects of early childhood education.

Whether you have a 1:1 classroom or only one device for your entire classroom, there’s an app for that! Discover the variety of apps available for today’s diverse classrooms. Explore creating and evaluating apps such as Stop Motion Studio and Kahoot. Discover apps that allow your students to analyze and apply the information they are learning such as Toontastic and Educreations. Use apps, such as LearnZillion and Twitter, in everyday learning to engage students and inspire deeper understanding of the North Carolina standards.

The NCCAT Research and Development Teams program offers educators an opportunity to meet in a residential setting devoid of distraction to create and advance departmental, school, or district-wide projects. These projects might consist of new programming, research, planning, or curricula. Gather a team together to create or refine your own innovative approaches to early grades literacy or digital learning. Early grades literacy or digital learning projects will be given preference. All projects will be considered. Come prepared to share your knowledge and progress with other teams from around our state. Single rooms, meeting space, internet access, and meals for the participants will be provided by NCCAT. Travel and the cost of substitute teachers are not covered. Teachers, administrators, central office personnel, and district coordinators are encouraged to apply.

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 and examine strategies that motivate boys to sustain reading in the classroom and at home.

Designed for elementary generalists and middle school language arts/math teachers.

Even the most organized teachers can find themselves hamstrung by the inconvenient fact that there are only 24 hours in a day. Teachers are expected to deliver instruction that covers necessary material and engages students both cognitively and affectively while adhering to the state’s instructional curriculum. Faced with such a daunting task, it is little wonder that so many teachers revert to familiar practices that may not be optimally effective or leave the profession in frustration. Part of the solution may be to “double-dip,” investing your mathematics instruction with reading and writing practice and your language arts instruction with mathematical inquiry. Explore opportunities where crossovers can occur naturally. Engage in integrated lessons and receive guidance in adapting them for students’ grade and ability levels.

The NCCAT Research and Development Teams program offers educators an opportunity to meet in a residential setting devoid of distraction to create and advance departmental, school, or district-wide projects. These projects might consist of new programming, research, planning, or curricula. Gather a team together to create or refine your own innovative approaches to early grades literacy or digital learning. Early grades literacy or digital learning projects will be given preference. All projects will be considered. Come prepared to share your knowledge and progress with other teams from around our state. Single rooms, meeting space, internet access, and meals for the participants will be provided by NCCAT. Travel and the cost of substitute teachers are not covered. Teachers, administrators, central office personnel, and district coordinators are encouraged to apply.

The 21st Century has revealed a rapidly changing and evolving world that has affected teaching and learning. With advances in technology, teachers and students have instant access to vast amounts of information. What literacy strategies do teachers employ to help today’s learners process, critique, and analyze this endless stream of data? Participants will investigate information literacy, intentional questioning, and dialogue. Using informational text, teachers will explore how intentional questioning can foster student dialogue and effective communication. Additionally, teachers will examine how current events and technology can be used to foster critical thinking skills and collaborative problem solving.

Primary sources, such as photographs, manuscripts, maps, and government documents can be found online, allowing educators and students easy access. Connect with university libraries and online programs that provide relevant and engaging teaching resources in user-friendly online forms. Discover how these sources can promote critical thinking and analytical skills to engage high school students in technology, language arts, science, social studies, and other subjects. Utilizing digital resources, make learning more meaningful to your students by integrating primary sources from your own community.

Designed for teachers in grades 3–5.

The world of STEM–science, technology, engineering, and math–provides a rich environment that motivates children to want to learn more. Children often prefer reading about spiders and dinosaurs to fictional characters. STEM activities help students build vocabulary, incorporate problem-solving skills, and analyze complex text with real-world applications. Maximize classroom time by integrating literacy with the natural connections of STEM disciplines. Experience lessons that give students a desire to read, promote problem solving, and model strategies to cultivate reading comprehension. Join us as we make messes, break things, and create minds-on STEM learning environments.