Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot

Area Schools Share 'Lighthouse' Designation

Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot

By Lauren Loricchio, Baltimore Sun

Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot. Heights Elementary School and Lansdowne Elementary School may be 10 miles apart, but the two share a unique distinction. The two schools in the southwest area are among 10 county elementary schools selected to pilot an upcoming integration of technology into the Baltimore County Public School system.

Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot. They are part of the school system's "lighthouse" program, which involves curriculum development, technology upgrades, professional development and ongoing changes to policies and procedures to prepare students and educators for a technology-driven environment.

Students and teachers will be assigned an HP Elitebook Revolve 810 G2 tablet computer, which was selected because it is scratch and spill resistant, the BCPS website says. Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot

The "lighthouse" schools will lead the way for the S.T.A.T (Students & Teachers Assessing Tomorrow) initiative, according to BCPS information. The schools were selected through a process that began when county principals were asked whether they'd like to be involved in the pilot, according to a Baltimore County Public Schools press release. Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot.

After principals expressed interest, school staff members were surveyed about their level of commitment, and schools that were most committed to the program were chosen through an application process, the release said. Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot

"Times have changed and learners have changed," said David Proudfoot, principal of Edmondson Heights Elementary. "The learners that our parents are, are not the same learners that our students are now...We have to adapt to our students' needs."

Educators at the school are already getting ready for the changes. They have explained "why" they're going to be using technology to teach the students, and the next step is "how" the new curriculum will be implemented, Proudfoot said.Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot.

Proudfoot, in his first year as principal of the school on Langford Road, said a group of teacher leaders have been trained and will provide demonstration lessons for the other teachers.

"We really want the teacher leaders to give the presentations," Proudfoot said, explaining that those presentations will be hands-on demonstrations. Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot

Rachel Kovel, 23, a second grade English teacher at the school, is one of those leaders., called a S.T.A.T development teacher. Kovel said that during the "lighthouse" meeting April 29, plans for the new initiative were discussed and now teachers are learning about a new grade book system and online resources.

"It's all about getting excited for the new things we're going to be able to do," Kovel said. "I think that's part of where we are now — getting everyone on board. The next step is getting it implemented and getting it to work for us." Kovel, a Glen Burnie resident, said it's her first year teaching, which makes it easier to learn new teaching methods. Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot.

"When I come into this, I'm willing to learn new strategies," Kovel said. "What do I have to lose? I'm new to this." Kovel said the change will come with its "obstacles and challenges" and she expects some teachers to be hesitant to embrace the change.Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot.

Proudfoot said the initiative offers all students in the county the opportunity for equal access to technology in their learning environment. "It really does provide a level of equitable access to all students," Proudfoot said.

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Engaged Learning Experiences and Digital Teaching by Dr. David E. Proudfoot.