TechConnect User Groups
For Consortium Teachers K-12
What’s a User Group?
A User Group is a cadre of teachers who are all using the same product in their classrooms and would like to take a deeper dive into the product. For example, many teachers using Nearpod have learned about it on their own. Now imagine that a group of teachers who use Nearpod get together for four 1-hour 15- minute sessions to share the ways in which they use it. They now begin to infuse their teaching with ideas and information (not just techniques) sourced externally. They engage in collegial collaboration—positive, constructive talk about teaching and learning with colleagues.
More About User Groups:
The TechConnect User Group is designed to encourage educators to seek certifications (aka micro-credentials) in various tech products, and/or collaborate with colleagues to share their knowledge and strategies for better use of the product.
A participant may receive CTLE hours for earning certification, and/or for participating in the group meetings but does not need to do both.
A TechConnect User Group will consist of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 participants. Each participant must
use the same tool for one study (such as Google, Nearpod, Newsela, Kami, Adobe Creator, or any product that is whitelisted in the districts)
attend four 1 hour 15 -minute virtual meetings over the course of one school year to discuss ways in which they are using the product, what works, what doesn’t, etc. (All User Groups must be completed by June 1 of the current school year.)
engage in a discussion guided by the facilitator who MUST be certified in the product being studied
fill out a brief evaluation form to provide feedback to the Center and the facilitator
Take control of your own professional learning. Don’t work in isolation. Connect with your colleagues and collaborate to establish and share best practices.
For information about earning micro -credentials, click here: Ed Tech Certifications
The following TechConnect UserGroups are open for registration:
Newsela with Christine Sanfratello. Dates. Wed. November 2, 2022, Wed. January 4, 2023, Wed. March 1, 2023, and Wed. May 3, 2023
Time -7:00PM- 8:15PM 5 CTLE Hours
Nearpod with Christine Sanfratello. Dates- Wed. November 9, 2022, Wed. January 11, 2023, March 8, 2023, and May 10, 2023.
Time 7:00PM-8:15PM 5 CTLE Hours
Google with Tina Mottl. Dates. Wed. November 16, 2022, Wed. January 18, 2023, Wed. March 15, 2023, Wed. May, 17,2023
Time 7:00-8:15pm 5 CTLE Hours
IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN ALL THREE USERGROUPS YOU WILL RECEIVE 15 CTLE HOURS OR 1 INSERVICE CREDIT
TO REGISTER FOR ONE TWO OR ALL THREE
TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD OR ECHECK
PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR COURSE IN THE DROPDOWN MENU
*Please note that there is a 3.95% service fee charged by the credit company for all charges and echecks. This fee is non-refundable. OWL does not receive any portion of this surcharge.