EdTech Academies
Digital Media Academy
The Digital Media Academy is an exciting opportunity for teachers to learn how to help students master digital literacy skills required for the Common Core State Standards and our 21st Century Workforce. Selection is based upon a completed application, administrator recommendation, and a balance of school, grade level, and subject matter representation.
Upon acceptance into the academy, participants attend a kick-off event on a Friday afternoon, followed by a full day of training the next day. Each teacher is assigned a new digital media package including hardware and software used to create digital content. Follow-up training sessions are held throughout the year, focusing on the following areas of study:
- How video can be a powerful learning tool for all students
- Building upon the integration of technology into Common Core State Standards-based instruction
- Application of 21st Century Skills for learning
- Increasing student creativity and innovation
- Increasing student collaboration and problem-solving skills
- Fostering the use of engaging learning environments
- Digital Video Production and Editing
Participating teachers are required to submit finished products (films) for our culminating event - the EMI Awards ceremony. Films from past events are available on the following website: www.orcuttemi.com.
2019-20 Digital Media Academy Dates
- Friday, September 20th (4:00 – 8:00 PM)
- Saturday, September 21st (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Saturday, February 1st (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Monthly training/collaboration sessions (TBD)
- October
- November
- December
- January
- March
Our annual EMI Film Festival will be held Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 5:00 PM at the Ethel Pope Auditorium in downtown Santa Maria.
iPad Academy
Each year, teachers are invited to participate in our iPad Academy as part of the continued implementation of our Strategic Plan and more specifically the goal of creating flexible learning environments and individualized instruction. Selection is based upon a completed application, administrator recommendation, and a balance of school, grade level, and subject matter representation. Priority is also given to combination classroom teachers.
Chromebook Academy
In the Fall of 2016, we launched our first Chromebook Academy for teachers in grades 7-12. This academy is built around Google's G Suite platform and Chrome OS. It is designed to encourage cloud-based collaboration and to provide an effective tool for students to build and maintain digital portfolios.
Upon acceptance into the iPad or Chromebook academy, participants attend a kick-off event followed by a full day of training. Each participating teacher is assigned a classroom set of devices and wireless projection equipment for his/her classroom. Follow-up training sessions are held throughout the year, focusing on the following areas of study:
- Investigate the use of iPads or Chromebooks to individualize learning for all students
- Components of instruction necessary for our 21st Century Students
- Building upon the integration of technology into standards-based instruction that leads to measurable student achievement gains
- Increasing student creativity and innovation
- How to increase student collaboration and problem-solving skills
- Digital literacy and assessment tools
- Fostering the use of engaging learning environments
2019-20 iPad/Chromebook Academy Dates
- Thursday, September 26th (3:45 – 5:45 PM)
- Saturday, October 12th (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Thursday, November 7th (3:45 – 5:45 PM)
- Thursday, December 5th (3:45 - 5:45 PM)
- Thursday, January 16th (3:45 – 5:45 PM)
- Saturday, February 29th (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Thursday, March 26th (3:45 – 5:45 PM)
- Thursday, April 23rd (3:45 - 5:45 PM)
Our annual Showcase of Innovation will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 3:30 in the Orcutt Junior High gym.