Putnam County has been awarded the EETT grant for the 2008-2009 school year! The district will utilize the funding to provide opportunities for teachers and students to develop essential 21st century skills through project-based learning and authentic technology-supported instructional methods.
Eighty Putnam teachers will attend a Florida Digital Educator Teaching and Learning Institute in August to kick off the project. The Florida Digital Educator program is a state wide initiative focusing on standards based technology integration, project based learning and action research. It is part of a large scale professional development opportunity which is making an impact across our state in using technology to make a difference in our students’ achievement and in preparing them for the future. Project Based Learning promotes high levels of student interest and engagement. It requires the use of higher order thinking skills and encourages creativity while providing students with a platform for meaningful and relevant inquiry.
Each teacher involved in the project will receive a laptop and digital video camera to use in their classroom and twelve schools are targeted to receive Mobile Learning Labs. Research and professional development will be ongoing.