Written by: Tammy Dunbar
On October 15th Gallup McKinley Schools hosted a Planning & Execution Training on Jump Tech for Discovery Center Assistants (DCAs) to enhance their proficiency and pedagogy while using interactive student equipment.
Facilitated by Tammy Dunbar and Marcie Lear, the day began with discussions between participants who hadn’t had the chance to talk together before. Participants reviewed Jump Tech’s interactive technologies, learned about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to enhance their lessons, and engaged in hands-on practice with various devices like the interactive table, sandbox, floor, and ball wall with an eye toward UDL. “This training was really needed,” one enthusiastic educator said. “I have a much better understanding of Jump Tech!”
Facilitated by Tammy Dunbar and Marcie Lear, the day began with discussions between participants who hadn’t had the chance to talk together before. Participants reviewed Jump Tech’s interactive technologies, learned about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to enhance their lessons, and engaged in hands-on practice with various devices like the interactive table, sandbox, floor, and ball wall with an eye toward UDL. “This training was really needed,” one enthusiastic educator said. “I have a much better understanding of Jump Tech!”
After lunch, the focus was on the safe use of AI to create lessons and experiences for diverse learners, followed by plenty of hands-on, collaborative time to explore both AI and the Jump Tech equipment. “I was inspired by all the information from the other DCAs!” one excited educator said. The day ended with a showcase of ideas that many were ready to take back and use immediately.
“Training really goes more smoothly when you listen to the needs of your audience right up front,” says Tammy Dunbar. “Once we had a feel for what these educators needed, we worked hard to make sure the training was tailored even more closely to what they needed.”
Marcie Lear agrees. “Listening is so important. When we realized that they hadn’t really talked with each other since they got the equipment, we made sure they had plenty of time to share and talk. And with the special Teams set up for them, they can now communicate any time.”
“Training really goes more smoothly when you listen to the needs of your audience right up front,” says Tammy Dunbar. “Once we had a feel for what these educators needed, we worked hard to make sure the training was tailored even more closely to what they needed.”
Marcie Lear agrees. “Listening is so important. When we realized that they hadn’t really talked with each other since they got the equipment, we made sure they had plenty of time to share and talk. And with the special Teams set up for them, they can now communicate any time.”
Gallup McKinley DCAs felt empowered with new concepts of crafting lessons, digital ways to communicate, and a renewed enthusiasm for integrating technology into their lessons. “This was my favorite training thus far!” said one happy participant. “You guys (trainers) were really awesome!”
