SCASL 2018

ISTE Standards addressed: Genius Hour gives students the opportunity to explore authentic topics/problems that are of interest to them personally. Our guided Genius Hour project helps 3rd and 4th graders experience the cyclical processes of research, innovation, problem solving, and design. Namely, students access reliable online sources, experts, and peer feedback throughout their projects. Technology is leveraged in all of these processes as a tool for learning and creation. Students are expected to make, do, learn, or teach something in relation to their topic/problem. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on real-world, social issues. The capstone projects for students' Genius Hour experiences are shared globally through various technology and media outlets. In this session, teachers, media specialists, and coaches will collaborate as they are immersed in an accelerated Genius Hour project. This experience will develop a shared vision for the potential impacts and uses of similar Genius Hour experiences in their schools. Upon returning to their schools, session participants will use the learning and resources resulting from the session to establish innovative learning environments that promote curiosity and critical examination of authentic and real-world problems.