Programs > Technology Integration Workshop

Download an educator application form

Teachers are continuously pressured to bring technology into their classrooms but often lack the resources, strategies or time to learn how to do this effectively. BestPrep’s Technology Integration Workshop has been developed for 7-12 grade teachers in all subject areas who want to learn how to better incorporate technology in the classroom.

At the Workshop

• Teachers bring a previously taught lesson plan or unit to the Workshop and with the help of a Technology Integration Specialist, enhance this lesson by modifying it to include additional technology.
  

• Teachers learn effective technology integration methods from a series of speakers and breakout sessions led by the Technology Integration Specialists and other presenters.
• Teachers job shadow a Business Partner for a half-day to better understand the workplace skills students need after graduation. Business professionals from many areas volunteer by inviting a teacher to see how they use technology and workplace in their position. BestPrep matches participants based on their subject and interest areas.

I am very excited to go back to school and share the things I learned with my principal and the other leaders in my school.
~ Shirley Poelstra, Edison High School, 2007 Workshop Participant

Goals of the Workshop:

• Through a ½ day job shadow, participants will experience first-hand technology and workplace skills they can apply to their curriculum.


• Participants will increase their level of technology literacy for classroom use.


• Demonstrate technology integration methods so participants will use technology to teach their curriculum.

Ways to participate in Technology Integration Workshop

Attend the Workshop
At the Workshop, Technology Integration Specialists work directly with educators on a unit or lesson of choice. In addition, teachers attend breakout sessions on various technology and education topics. Teachers connect with a Business Partner for half a day to gain exposure to the skills students need to succeed after graduation. The Technology Integration Workshop meets the needs of all 7-12 grade teachers in every discipline.

Educators who take this Workshop will:
* Integrate technology into a unit or lesson using the Understanding By Design method
* Increase their level of technology literacy by attending breakout sessions
* Connect with a Business Partner to learn skills students need after graduation
* Share knowledge and learning activities with colleagues

Volunteer as a Business Partner or Presenter

Business Partners turn their workplace into a "high-performance classroom" by partnering with a Workshop participant for a half-day job shadow. They help secondary education teachers understand the skills employers are looking for and how to help students get hired.

Presenters at the Workshop share their technology expertise and/or workplace experience with teachers. Teachers will use this experience to develop more relevant curriculum that connects with real-world applications and effectively integrates technology.

Teach Technology Integration
BestPrep recruits Technology Integration Specialists to teach technology integration methods to groups of approximately 8 - 12 teachers. A detailed day-to-day guide, as well as a binder, slideshows and other handouts are will be provided. Download a 2008 Technology Integration Specialist application!

Dates and Location
July 28 - 31, 2008
Location: Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Lane, Wayzata, MN 55446

Cost
The registration cost for a teacher is $200/person. This fee includes all course materials, continental breakfast, lunch for all 4 days, and connection with a Technology Integration Specialist and a Business Partner. Reduced rates are available for teams of teachers from the same school district. Fee per team of 2 teachers is $175/person, 3 or more teachers is $150/person. Perkins and Tech Prep funds may be used to cover the registration cost. Special scholarships are available for schools without staff development funding.

If traveling from out of the area, the cost of lodging (if needed) and transportation is the responsibility of each participant. Inquire about reduced rates at a nearby hotel.

Continuing Education & Graduate Credits
Through a partnership with the University of Minnesota and Bemidji State University, two graduate credits will be available for an additional fee. Inquire for more details.
Twenty eight continuing education credits are given to each participant completing the workshop.

Contact Information

Bonnie Vagasky, Program Manager
763-398-0090 ext. 227
bvagasky@bestprep.org

Rachel Schwalbach, Program Associate
763-398-0090 ext. 235
rschwalbach@bestprep.org