PBS LearningMedia is calling for entries for its 2016 Digital Innovators program, in which K-12 educators nationwide are recognized for their use of technology and digital media to support student learning.
The PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program is an annual professional-development initiative designed to “foster and grow a community of highly engaged, tech-savvy K-12 educators who are effectively integrating digital media and technology to inspire learning,” per a press release.
PBS Learning Media, a free PBS service that offers thousands of digital resources and learning materials to educators, has also announced a new format for this year’s program. For the first time, all educators who meet the entry requirements, follow the guidelines, and submit their applications will be accepted into the program and become PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators. All of those accepted will receive virtual professional development for a year, including school access to premium PD lessons, a free online course, and support from local PBS member stations.
In addition, an applicant will be chosen from each U.S. state and territory to be a “lead” innovator, which comes with a free trip to Denver for the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Summit and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference in June. Besides attending the summit and conference, the lead innovators are responsible for providing mentorship and leadership to the other digital innovators throughout the year.
Last year, from the 402 applicants for the program, digital innovators were selected based on scores for each entry. The highest scoring 100 applicants were accepted into the program, regardless of location. This year, an additional new rule states that all qualified applications will be scored and the highest scoring entry for each state will be selected as a Lead Digital Innovator.
To enter, educators must submit an original 1-2 minute video showcasing their use of digital media and technology to drive student achievement, answer two essay questions, and complete a profile.
The deadline to apply for the 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program is Feb. 8, 2016. The 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators will be announced in March.
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