Thanks to a $24,000 grant from The Committee of 100, the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) was able to host a professional development workshop for teachers across North Louisiana. “This grant allowed us to pilot a new program that focuses on teachers. We want to help teachers engage students by sharing ideas and giving them resources” says G.B. Cazes, Vice President of the CIC.
The 2009 Adapt & Adopt professional development workshop was hosted at Louisiana State University Shreveport on February 6-7, 2009. Fifty primary and secondary educators from Bossier, Caddo, Desoto, Lincoln and Webster Parishes assembled over the two day period to explore techniques to educate 21st Century learners. University professors from across northwest Louisiana hosted interactive breakout sessions. These sessions focused on problem solving, communication & collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity & innovation.
“NetGens”
Dr. Paula Furr, Northwestern State University
Dr. Darlene Williams, Northwestern State University
Problem Solving
Hosted by Dr. Brian Etheridge, Dr. Jim Nelson, Dr. Galen Turner, Dr. Jeremy Mhire, Dr. Christian Duncan, Dr. Heath Tims, Dr. Kelly Crittenden, Louisiana Tech
Communication & Collaboration: Know Thyself
Hosted by Dr. George Rice, University of Louisiana Monroe
Problem Solving: Robotics
Hosted by Dr. Brian Etheridge, Dr. Jim Nelson, Dr. Galen Turner, Dr. Jeremy Mhire, Dr. Christian Duncan, Dr. Heath Tims, Dr. Kelly Crittenden, Louisiana Tech
Creativity & Innovation: Animation Visual Effects & Computer Gaming
Hosted by Mr. John Miralles, Louisiana State University Shreveport
Critical Thinking: CAUTION: Teen Brain Under Construction
Hosted by Dr. Sherry Kerr, Centenary College of Louisiana
At the end of the workshop, each school that participated received $500 of “seed” money. This seed money will be used to implement what was learned and purchase technology / resources for the classrooms. Beyond that a network of educators, representative of primary, secondary and higher leaders, was built. Part of the mission of the CIC is developing a knowledge-based workforce. The collaboration demonstrated at the Adapt & Adopt professional development workshop is one step towards achieving this mission.