GVSD Tech College

"Teachers play a key role in the implementation of ICT in education. If ICT is to effectively impact teaching and learning within GVSD, teachers must be comfortable with computers, seeing them as tools to enhance their daily teaching." (GVSD Technology Integration Plan, pg. 9)

Tech College is an after-school professional development course designed to help teachers become more computer/technology literate, and to help teachers learn how to integrate technology across all curricula. The first Tech College cohort completed their experience in 2005-2006, and Tech College continues to provide GVSD teachers with training in both ICT and the development of students' literacy with ICT. All GVSD teachers are encouraged to participate in tech college sessions being offered throughout the year. The 'traditional' Tech College is an after-school course that begins the first week of October and runs for 10 weeks. Classes are held at GVC from 4:30 pm to 6 pm one after-school per week, with supper provided from 4 pm to 4:30 pm. To better meet the needs of teachers, and to provide more flexibility in programming, three additional Tech College options have been developed beginning in 2008-2009. *Also new for 2008-09 is that teachers will receive a Certificate of Completion for each technology PD session completed. Teachers may use the certificates as they wish, including applying them towards the completion of Tech College hours.

Below is an overview of the application process and the four program options now available.

A. Application & Selection Procedures

Teachers wishing to participate in Tech College are asked to coordinate their application request through their school principal. Applicants are asked to first complete and return their application form to their school administrator(s), who will determine the school's successful applicants. School administrators are asked to return successful application forms to the GVSD ICT Coordinator.

B. Timeframe & Program Options

To support staff with integrating technology across curricula, GVSD has made the following Tech College/Tech PD options available to staff during the 2008-2009 school year:

Option #1: Tech College – Total of 15 hours. (see option #1 schedule)

     a. Available from October to December 2008 for 10 weeks.

          i. Will be offered in spring only if registration numbers warrant.

     b. 1 day per week from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

     c. Supper provided

Option #2: 2 sessions offered throughout the year - Total of 15 hours. (see option #2 schedule)

     a. Session 1 – August 27, 2008   9:00 am – 4:00 pm.  Lunch provided

     b. Session 2 – Mini-SAG full day session

Option #3: 15  sessions; 1 hour in length (= school + division) - Total of 15 hours (see option #3 schedule)

     a. Sessions will be offered both divisionally and at respective schools at various ability levels: beginner, intermediate,

advanced. Teachers can sign up for the respective sessions they are interested in and use those hours toward tech college

requirements.

     b. As well, they can choose August 27 or Mini-SAG to gain hours and then accumulate the rest from the individual sessions.

     c. Teachers will need to keep track of the sessions they attend and provide a record upon completion.

Option #4: Professional Growth Plan – in collaboration with the school principal, the teacher:

•  Will develop a plan that will allow them to acquire the necessary skills to effectively work with the LwICT continuum and

assess student achievement in this area. In some cases, the teacher may demonstrate they have already acquired the necessary

skills/knowledge and are not needing to attend Tech College at this time.

C. Commitments

Teachers are responsible for attending 15 hours of training. All equipment will be on loan for the duration of your stay in the school division. Participants will be encouraged to offer mentoring (i.e. be tech leaders) to colleagues after completion of the course. Participants who are unable to successfully complete their Tech College course are asked to return any equipment associated with the course. All participants will be asked to evaluate their Tech College experience upon completion.

For more information on Tech College, contact either your school principal or the GVSD ICT Coordinator.