On Saturday, April 12, Community Consolidated School District 181 is hosting the next event in their Learning for All Family Education Series, a Technology Symposium. The free, conference-style program is open to all community members will take place at Elm School (15 W. 201 60th Street, Burr Ridge) 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration is required and can be completed on the District website: www.d181.org > Learning > Family Education Series.
Attendees can select two of the following sessions to attend:
- Collaboration, Differentiation, and Technology, Oh My! -- A District 181 Differentiation Specialist and Media Resource Center Director will talk about their collaboration this year and showcase creative student work. Participants will experiment with green screen technology, make a 30-second movie, create a file for 3D printing, create and illustrate a poem using technology, and more. Attendees will learn how staff share experiences and learn with District colleagues to use these technology tools to benefit all students.
- Tech Tools for Parenting in the Digital Age -- In this session, parents will walk away with tips on how to supervise their child’s technology use. Parental controls, iTunes accounts, and elements of AirPlay, PhotoStream (in conjunction with iPhoto), and iCloud will also be reviewed. The session will be led by a District 181 Assistive Technologist.
- Beyond Google: Exploring District Online Resources for Parents -- Session leaders will offer a hands-on journey through resources offered to District 181 students, including Britannica and World Book Online Encyclopedias, TumbleBooks (eBooks), PebbleGo (research for primary students), netTrekker (educational search engine), Discovery Education (educational videos), BrainPop (animated educational videos), and Britannica Image Quest (source for images).
- D181 Fine Arts and Technology Innovations -- Attendees will be invited to explore the technology tools being used in today’s art and music classrooms in both the elementary and middle schools. Art teachers will share examples of student work and student tools, including Keynote Art Journals, Artsonia, ScreenChomp, Sketchbook Express, Edmodo, and Google Sketchup. Music teachers will showcase how they use iPads, iTunes and Garage Band to enhance student learning and will provide a live demonstration of SmartMusic, interactive software that has revolutionized the way students practice their instruments.
- The Digital Age: Is My Child Ready? -- Veteran Police Officer Jeff Bean will discuss the benefits and dangers of social networking sites and cell phone apps, review state law, share current information from actual police investigations related to cyberbullying, and offer suggestions and solutions for parents on how to work together with law enforcement officials to keep children safe in the ever‐changing Digital Age.
The Learning for All Family Education Series is a coordinated, year-long effort centered around communicating the fundamental components of the work taking place in the District. The event literature states, “Together with our community partners, we have created a multitude of opportunities for our families to strengthen their understanding of the critical issues surrounding today's educational system, ranging from the state-wide adoption of the Common Core Standards to social media and strength-based parenting. We look forward to engaging with our community in conversations that focus on continuous improvement, student growth and supporting learning for all.” The District extends thanks to their community partners for support of the series, including the District’s SELAS Committee, the Family Resource Network, the District’s staff associations, Hinsdale Township High School District 86 and especially the D181 Foundation.
