Distance Learning Labs
Kansas City Public Schools built six Distance Learning Labs (one in each high school) and now has the ability to teach courses virtually from one building to the other five, providing access to courses essential to college preparation. This enables students in schools with limited enrollment in the upper level courses to access those courses from an instructor at another high school in the district. This school year, Accounting, Calculus, Physics, AP Biology, AP English, French and Spanish courses have been delivered to selected sites where the need was expressed. This is only the beginning of the multiple opportunities these labs make possible for the district. It is feasible that there will be possibilities for exchange interaction with students in other states and even other countries; possibilities for enrichment for our gifted and talented students and platforms for showcasing their talents; and the ability to obtain and deliver credit recovery and grade level acceleration courses for those in need of such offerings. It is also an avenue for increased positive interaction between district schools to share and showcase their finest productions and to enjoy the successes of all KCPS students' projects and awards. As these possibilities unfold, KCPS may become the premiere model for distance and virtual learning in the state.
Intelligent Classroom Project
The Intelligent Classroom Project (ICP) is Kansas City Public Schools' voluntary three-year initiative to empower educators to be next century learners and instructors by developing 21st century skills.
Year One
Participants are taught the basic techniques for developing project-based unit plans. The parts of the unit plan include working from an essential question, looking at reasons for assessment, learning how to differentiate instruction, and using technology to gain information.
Year Two
Is focused on raising the H.E.A.T in the unit plan as we look closer at creating lessons with Higher order thinking skills while Engaging every learner through differentiation, and students producing Authentic work while using Technology for more than just a presentation tool.
Year Three
Participants are engaged in self-directed learning as they watch and listen to three Intel Education videos: Assessment, Project Based and Collaboration. An action plan is developed for use as 21st century skills are revised and refined. The learning does not stop here.
Instructional Technology Resource Teachers empower teachers and staff to use technology seamlessly in producing authentic rigorous student work through Technology Academy workshops. The workshops include such topics as how to use classroom technology tools such as the Eno Board and Clickers and how to use district adopted software and Internet resources in helping the students create various forms of evidences.
