Pennsylvania

We had a Leadership Council webinar last evening, so I would like to share some of the important reminders and information from Lance.

Without a doubt, the DEN Tech or Trear Fall Virtual Conference was an astounding success. We held the same numbers of attendees as we had last year. But–and here’s the good news–we grew our Live Event sites and numbers.

In addition, we were global in our outreach and welcomed a world of participants from abroad. Speaking for our PA Live Event at IU 21 in Schnecksville, I would like to echo Meg Griffin, our LC President’s sentiments in thanking all the people who made this event possible–Michael Cichocki, Patti Duncan, Tracey McGrath, Jennifer Brinson, and of course, Meg herself. Thanks to everyone behind the scenes who logged on and supported PA. Great job!!

Want to be a DEN GURU? That would step you up to Level 4 in DEN. You ask, what are the “levels.” And the answer is:

1. DEN
2. DEN STAR
3. DEN LC
4. DEN GURU.

There are advantages at any level, but if you step up to GURU (up to 5 people will be chosen this first year), you will have noticeable benefits that set you apart. Perhaps the largest benefit is that Discovery will take you, free of charge, to a national convention. Application deadline: November 15, 2009

This brings me to the big event I really want to push because completing this one is easy and a lot of fun. You can make a podcast or a video telling how you use Discovery Education resources in your classroom. Doesn’t have to be a big deal project–keep it short and simple (the KISS philosophy) and then upload it. Fun, fast, and a FREE Discovery hoodie, limited edition is in the mail to you. And just in case the idea of uploading to Media Share daunts you, this upload is to a simple spot where Discovery will mine your golden uses. Do it today, because the deadline is November 15.

Some of my best friends are actively engaged in pursuing the MS in Instructional Media offered by Discovery Education and Wilkes University. I remember the kick-off two years ago at the National Institute. We were even offered 3 credits for a minimal fee to begin the degree work with our week’s intense completion of learning. Although I am not one to regret decisions, I often wish I had made the choice to study for this degree. Keeping in touch with my friends who were the first class to begin this program, I can tell you that the subject matter is extremely engaging, timely and worthwhile.

This summer I had the good fortune to follow the China Adventure. What an amazing trip this was, packed with singular experiences that only could be found in a Discovery Education adventure. Nothing beats repeating a good thing, so the China and Australia trips are encores. New to the venue are the Arctic, Anarctica, Costa Rica, and Ecudor/Galapagos Islands. You will definitely need to have your prospective students fund raise, but if you get 5 students to sign on, you as their teacher travels free.

Not exactly Fast Five, but there you have it, a synopsis of some of the best and time-sensitive offers from Discovery.

Reposted from the DEN National Blog

In the past four years the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) has grown in many different ways including the variety of ways educators may participate in the community.  You can be a Discovery Educator and participate in the online community.  You can apply to become a STAR Discovery Educator and engage in both online and in-person activities.  And STARs who want to shape the direction of the community can apply to become part of the DEN Leadership Councils.  So, what is next?

It goes without saying that within the DEN community we have an overabundance of talent.  Every STAR has his/her own special talents, skills and passion for utilizing digital content across the curriculum.  We want to continue to provide opportunities for STARs to share their knowledge with the community so we are pleased to announce another membership level – DEN Gurus.

DEN Gurus are STAR Discovery Educators who possess expertise of one or more pedagogical topics (e.g., Differentiated Instruction, Project Based Learning, etc.), have demonstrated their expertise through a variety of professional experiences, and advocate for the meaningful integration of Discovery Education digital content across their area(s) of expertise.

DEN Gurus will be promoted throughout the community as thought leaders in the educational field and have the opportunity to share their expertise in a variety of ways.

DEN Gurus will:

• be featured as regular contributors to the National DEN blog
• present their own featured DEN webinar
• represent the DEN at a major educational conference during the year (registration and travel expenses covered by the DEN)

How do I apply?

Through a competitive application process we will accept up to five DEN Gurus in the inaugural year.  Applicants must be STAR Discovery Educators and agree to fulfill all requirements associated with formal recognition as a DEN Guru.

All application materials must be submitted by November 15, 2009 (5 PM ET).

The application includes:

• Online form
  • Complete the form at: http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denguruform
• Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae
  • Submit at: http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denguruapp
  • Make sure to include your first and last name as part of the file name.
• At least two of the following artifacts that demonstrate your mastery of the topic for which you are applying to be a DEN Guru:
  • PowerPoint/Keynote/Slideshare presentation
  • Handout(s)
  • Website
  • Blog
  • Wiki
  • Webquest
  • Articles in which you have been featured
  • Submit at: http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denguruapp
  • Make sure to include your first and last name as part of the file names.

• At least one of the following that demonstrates your ability to communicate your mastery of the topic for which you are applying to be a DEN Guru:
  • Video of you presenting about your topic
  • Podcast of your presentation
  • Screencast of your presentation
  • Archive of live broadcast
  • Submit at: http://links.discoveryeducation.com/denguruapp
  • Make sure to include your first and last name as part of the file name

Timeline

Application window opens - September 30, 2009
Application deadline - November 15, 2009 (5 PM ET)
DEN Gurus Announced - December 1, 2009

Questions

If you have any questions about the DEN Gurus program please refer to the DEN Gurus FAQ document and/or contact Lance Rougeux at Lance_Rougeux@discovery.com.