The document discusses a panel focused on integrating technology in K-12 education, featuring experts who share insights on personalized learning and virtual education. The Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VT VLC) is highlighted for providing flexible online courses that cater to diverse student needs and schedules. Key goals include expanding access to coursework, enhancing educational equity, and fostering greater student engagement through technology.

1. Educating for a Digital World
K-12 Goes Digital: A Panel of Stories & Ideas

2. K-12 Goes Digital (A1)
•Peter Drescher, Agency of Education (Moderator)
•John Dawson, Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union
•Jeff Renard, Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative
•Betsy Calhoun, Lake Region Union High School

3. Peter Drescher
•Assists schools in using & acquiring technology to support learning
•Guides policy discussions
•Advocates for increased broadband access & continual development of new opportunities to virtual and blended learning.
•Board Chair for the State Education Technology Directors Association (SETDA)
Education Technology Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Education

4. John Dawson
•A lifelong learner who holds several IT credentials
•Before joining BRSU in his current role, worked with Champlain Valley High School for 10 years
•Passion is harnessing technology to personalize education
•Believes it takes students AND their personal support networks of teachers, parents, counselors and friends to be successful
Learning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT

5. John Dawson
Learning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT
●Lateral Innovation
●Common Ecosystem
●Connected People
●Broad Curriculum
●Multiple Pathways
●Standards Based Evidence

6. John Dawson
Learning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT

7. John Dawson
Learning Systems Consultant,
South Burlington, VT
What do they know?
What do they need to know?
How will they get there?
What if they don’t? What if they do?

8. Betsy Calhoun
M. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
•The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

9. Betsy Calhoun
M. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
•Tech Savvy Girls

10. Betsy Calhoun
M. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
•Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

11. Betsy Calhoun
M. ED, Teacher
Lake Region Union High School
•Century 21 ACCOUNTING & http://www.aplia.com/accounting/

12. Jeff Renard
Director
Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative

13. VTVLC Partner Schools- Schools that have at least one teacherwho facilitates an online course-Schools may enroll up to 25 studentseach semester tuition-free-Schools pay an annual support fee-Open to all Vermont students/schools

14. Enrollment Requests

15. Learning takes place:
Anytime: No bells, learning is not limited to a schedule
Any Place: No restrictions on location
Any Pace: Adjustments for struggling and accelerating students

16. Greater availabilityof courses to expand options not available locally
Greater accessibilityto courses that interfere with student schedules
Greater flexibilityto learn at times that maximize student success
Key Goals:

17. “I am a musician and a dancer. Between two music classes, and my normal course load, I wasn’t able to fit Algebra II into my schedule. I also didn’t want to have to take either Orchestra or Band out of my schedule.”

18. “In order to attain more diversity and freedom to take the types of courses I am interested in, I decided to enroll in VTVLC for a total of three AP classes this year.”

19. “I was unhappy with a class I was scheduled for because I felt that it wouldn’t help my future as being an engineer. I spoke with my counselor about things that I could do about this and he told me about the VTVLC online course.”

20. “Ultimately, in order to take some important AP courses for my college future, I needed to “free up” some time during my day. VTVLC offered me that time option and flexibility.”

21. “I am taking the VTVLC Chinese course because I find learning languages to be fun, and I see knowing Mandarin to be beneficial in my future.”

22. “I wanted to take two math classes this year but it didn’tfit into my
schedule; so I got the idea to take an online class.”

23. “VTVLC challenged me to become a better student as well as taught me traits that will get me far in life. These include communication with my teacher and peers, perseverance, and consistently getting my assignments in on time.”

24. Equitable Access
VTVLC expands the breadth and depth of course options to students, regardless of where they reside in Vermont, by removing the barrier of time and place.
(73 courses/sections of core academics, AP® courses, world languages, electives, health and personal fitness, and dual enrollment courses)

25. Contact the Panelists
•Peter Drescher, Agency of Education peter.drescher@state.vt.us
•John Dawson, Learning Systems Consultant jd.piper@gmail.com
•Jeff Renard, Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperativejrenard@vtvlc.org
•Betsy Calhoun, Lake Region Union High Schoolbcalhoun@ocsu.org
bcalhoun@ocsu.org
bcalhoun@ocsu.org