Workshop Curriculum

 Faculty Laptop Program

Originally designed as a two-week (actually, eight day) professional development program, the summer faculty laptop program has evolved into a one-week program (five days) to better serve a larger number of faculty and address the advanced skill level most teachers possess. (The program still covers novice skill levels, depending on the need of the participant.)

The curriculum for the week is modeled after The Dalton Plan, incorporating House, Assignment and Lab.

Prior to the workshops, each participant meets with members of New Lab and possibly a Curriculum Director to discuss what he or she hopes to accomplish during the week. Questions are posed, such as: “What topics are you most passionate about teaching?” and “What do you find most difficult to teach?” These are followed up with a dialog and brainstorming session to see if pedagogy using technology can enhance the teaching and learning in those situations. From this, the Assignment is formed.

Each day participants meet as a group in the morning and again in the afternoon and discuss topics that are important for everyone. They see examples of valuable curriculum and technology integration, and share classroom experiences. This community time is characteristic of House.

Also during the week, many teachers will work in small groups and one-on-one with a New Lab member. These Labs provide the time and opportunity for teachers to work on and develop their Assignment with the proper support. Structured classes for larger groups introduce tools to participants as needed to complete their Assignment during a future Lab.

In addition to the individual program of study each teacher works on, topics also covered during the week include laptop ownership, productivity tools, digital imaging, Web 2.0, multimedia, online course management, and presentations. At the end of the week, participants briefly share their projects and ideas while enjoying a pizza party.

The workshops are managed and taught by The New Lab and Dalton faculty. Dalton students are hired to assist as well. This collaboration between students and faculty enhances the experience for everyone involved.

A typical day in the workshop lasts from 9 am to 4 pm with an hour break for lunch. Several sessions are planned each summer with the dates announced at the end of the Spring Break. Teachers are notified in January of their eligibility and several spots are reserved for new faculty who will be joining Dalton to attend.