A Successful Innovation Day

The first GUHSD Innovation Day was a fantastic success. We had a lot of buzz on Twitter, Instagram, and the GUHSDtech Google + Community. Additionally, Franz Ruiz from El Cajon Valley HS and Azita Mohmoudi from Grossmont HS and two of their students presented several projects at the Board Meeting. One board member commented it was nice to acknowledge academic achievements in that public forum.

While Innovation Day was successful, it was really just a snapshot of what goes on across our district on a day-to-day basis. GUHSD teachers regularly provide innovative learning opportunities. The GUHSDtech team continues to challenge you to take instructional risks, try new ideas, and use the available technology to amplify student experiences.

If you want to discuss an idea or need help implementing a technology infused activity, we are here for you. Just complete the Digital Learning Coach Support Request form.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Day of Innovation Photos

Innovators Support Group

Do you want to discuss big ideas in the world of education and educational technology?

Are you exploring some digital project ideas, but would love to bounce them off other people?

Does collaborating with other teachers who are constantly looking for new ideas sound like fun?

Do you want something different for your classroom and school?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, this opportunity is for you! The Innovators Support Group is forming in January. This small gathering will bring together the brainpower of 10-15 teachers and administrators to discuss the changes in education, share instructional ideas, collaborate on project development, and learn from each other.

Unlike other structured professional development opportunities, the group will determine its path.

We are limiting this group to 10-15 teachers. We are open to running multiple groups, but want to keep them small to encourage sharing and to keep the tone informal.

Our first meeting is January 13. Future days will be discussed on that day.

If you are interested, please complete this form.

Innovation Day - December 10, 2015

On Innovation Day, December 10, I encourage all interested teachers to mark the day by reflecting on the meaning of innovation in what is an increasingly technological learning environment. We must support students and educators as they focus on becoming problem-solvers, analyzers of data, effective communicators, creative thinkers, and collaborators.

We must also realize that technology is not the innovation. The innovation is deeper content.  It’s more active forms of learning and teaching. It’s more authentic forms of assessment. It’s linking school to life. Innovation is taking the passions that kids have in their informal learning and using available technology to bring those into formal learning. Here are a few ideas to consider on our first Innovation Day:

1. Post a photo or link of what’s going on in your classroom on December 10 on Twitter or Instagram with the #guhsdtech and #guhsdinnovation hashtag
2. Detail your project or lesson on the GUHSDtech Google + Community
3. Share a project, lesson, and/or student work from anytime this semester and post the link on social media, Google+, and our Google Form
4. Participate in the Hour of Code
5. Invite your site admin and/or the GUHSDtech team (complete this form) to visit your classroom on December 10

Ralf Swenson, Superintendent

Grossmont Union High School District