In response to the current moment in education and results from our distance learning professional development needs survey, the Hanahau’oli School Professional Development Center is partnering with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education to offer a series of three workshops. Created and led by learning design and technology expert Dr. Michael Menchaca, this workshop series focuses on: maximizing your inherent strengths as a passionate educator, best practices for online instruction, an introduction to an array of valuable tools and strategies, and a deep dive into maximizing Google tools for distance learning. Each of the three stand-alone synchronous workshops include the most current information about the focus topic, opportunities for application, time for personal reflection, and space to ask questions, get answers, and engage in dialogue with your peers.
Workshop I: Best Practices for Crisis Online Instruction
Wednesday April 22, 2020The coronavirus pandemic yields unprecedented challenges, educating children in challenging conditions chief among them. Without the luxury of time to appropriately learn, practice, and apply tested strategies in complex environments, we are left with the unenviable task of simply working with what we have. However, what we have is strong: deep understanding of good teaching, commitment to students, a will to succeed, and the capacity to learn. This workshop will build on our inherent strengths and provide practical approaches for teaching online that can be used right away. These approaches will be scaffolded with a model focusing on four crucial areas: Content, Asynchronous vs. Synchronous delivery, and Assessment. Each will be explained and concrete examples of successful strategies with specific tools provided. Strategies will include examples of best practices such as design considerations, pedagogy, interactivity and engagement, and assessment. In addition, follow-up resources for long-range planning will be provided.
Workshop II: Resources and Tools for Online Instruction
Wednesday April 29, 2020The current global crisis requires immediate understanding of complex technologic tools applied in challenging environments. Understanding the dilemma, this workshop will present participants appropriate resources and tools to support online instruction. Participants will be shown strategies for incorporating technology in a wide array of settings. Tools and resources presented will support collaboration, information literacy, access to primary sources, data-based problem-solving, and addressing issues of social justice. Participants will be exposed to web-based sources and review specific software applications. In addition, participants will be given time to reflect and discuss integration approaches. Participants will be asked to think about how these tools might be utilized in their own areas of expertise.
Workshop III: Working with Google Apps and Google Classroom
Wednesday May 6, 2020Google provides an available and relatively uncomplicated suite of tools to support just about any learning environment. This workshop will provide real-world examples of successful uses of Google tools in K-12 settings. The presenter will discuss methods for fostering collaboration to support complex problem-solving with examples in elementary, STEM, humanities, and writing. Focus will be on classroom management, apps, design and how specific Google tools can be used in virtual communities for learning and interaction. Specific tools showcased will include: Classroom, Drive, G Suite (e.g., Docs, Sheets), and Sites.
Location: Online via Zoom
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm (HST-Hawaii Standard Time)
6:30-8:30 pm (PST) / 8:30 -10:30 pm (CST) / 9:30-11:30 pm (EST)
Cost: $45 per event or register for all 3 to receive a $35 discount. (If paying by school purchase order, please select the “Pay by Invoice” option upon checkout.)
Click Here to Learn More & Register!
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Dr. Michael Menchaca is a professor in the Department of Learning Design and Technology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. He specializes in online learning and has helped create and establish successful online programs at multiple institutions. He currently coordinates the blended doctoral program in the Department. Dr. Menchaca publishes research in online learning, social justice with technology, and integrating technology into teaching and learning at all levels. He has consulted for numerous universities, schools, districts, and county and state offices. He has served as principal investigator for several state and federal grants. Finally, Dr. Menchaca was an IT specialist for many years, specializing in network management and desktop support.
