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Have you registered yet for #KYGoDigital? Program inspires educators to create, connect, share


By Amelia Brown
Special to the NKytribune

This year, as a Professional Learning Coach for the region, I’ve had the opportunity to be in many different schools and learn with many different educators.

These opportunities have only amplified my understanding of just how much educators give of themselves in order to positively impact students. So many are consistently seeking out ways to understand the brain, learn how to incorporate technology, increase student engagement, address reading gaps…the list goes on.

All of this to improve the academic, social, and emotional health of the children in our community. And in turn, improve the future for all of us.

One example of educators seeking to improve their practice is the #KYGoDigital Movement.  

The founding educators of this movement had a mission to inspire other Kentucky educators to CREATE innovative learning experiences, CONNECT them through social media and live events, so they can SHARE ways they are innovating.

The overarching goal of this mission is to allow for more digital learning experiences for students across the Commonwealth.

This movement has spread and now there are numerous #KYGoDigital leaders across the state working to fulfill this mission. I, myself, have the pleasure of co-leading a regional event here in Northern Kentucky with my friend and colleague, Katelyn Callahan.

There are six regional events planned in what we call the “Summer Tour.” 

So far, more than one thousand Kentucky educators have registered to attend at least one event. The Northern Kentucky event adds a twist because it is entirely virtual. Educators will present virtually, and participants will join via YouTube. 

This design allows for even more participation by eliminating geographical constraints. All the presentations will be recorded and housed on the #KYGoDigital YouTube channel so that anyone can continue to learn from them in the future.

Donnie Piercey, a fifth grade teacher at Stonewall Elementary in Fayette County, and a master of Google tools, explains how to CREATE a personalized Google Expedition on the #KYGoDigital YouTube Channel

These events are led entirely by those in the field: educators that are currently doing the hands-on work with teachers and students.

There are amazing things happening in classrooms all over this state, and this event provides an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other.

For example, at the Northern Kentucky event, Ft. Thomas special education teacher Jenny Miller-Horn will be presenting on how she uses photo-editing on an iPad to have students snap a picture of text and mark where answers are within the text.

Kenton County teacher Cary Wolking will be sharing how she uses an app called Seesaw to help students build digital portfolios. Campbell County school librarian Melissa Gardner will be sharing how to brand and promote a school library program using digital tools.

These are just a few of the amazing educators who are doing remarkable things and want to share it for the benefit of all students.

If you are (or know) a Northern Kentucky school administrator, library media specialist, school counselor, elementary teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, or special education teacher–there will be something for you.

Here’s what you need to know:

When: June 11, 2019
8:00-11:30: Morning Keynote and AM Sessions where you can join a specific track geared toward your specialty
11:30-12:30: Break for Lunch
12:30-3:30: Breakout sessions where you get a deeper dive into specific digital
tools.
Where: Your living room, poolside, the back patio…. it’s virtual so you can join from wherever you like.
How: Register here.

You will engage in each session via a YouTube link. As long as you are registered, you’ll receive everything you need to know before the event.

Create. Connect. Share.

Amelia Brown is a Literacy Consultant with the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services with 18 years of experience in education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy and a 2017-19 Hope Street Group Kentucky Teacher Fellow. Ms. Brown is Google Certified Level 1 and 2.


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