Casey Dunley Des Moines Public schools Secondary GT Consultant Incorporating Technology in an extended learning seminar for gifted high school students Casey Dunley Des Moines Public schools Secondary GT Consultant

Course Description This course offers a unique opportunity for gifted and talented students to develop their individual aptitudes, talents, and passions in a supportive environment. The course is a self-directed learning experience. The student is given the opportunity to develop real world skills such as time-management, planning, and self-discipline, while investigating areas of interest in an in-depth, individualized way. Course options may include an independent study, an internship, a mentorship, or a service learning project dependent on student interest. All participating students are required to follow an approved learning contract and log time on task. All participating students are required to present a final product to an authentic audience. High School Credit: .5 elective credits per year.

Prerequisites Identified Gifted and Talented in Des Moines Public Schools Must be in good standing with a C average or higher in the core curricular areas and on track for graduation. Grades 10-12 Consideration for admission to the course is by application to the building G/T consultant. The extended learning course size is subject to the consultant’s caseload and time available and/or an internship/mentorship site in the area of interest.  The application and interview need to show a project that has enough content to be evaluated using the Iowa Core standards listed for the course.

Course Options Focused on interests or future goals. 1. Research or Independent Study Focused on interests or future goals. Could be used as prep for an academic contest but the key would be to take that learning deeper and the presentations would be more complex. 2. Internship/Mentorship Practical experience in an occupation or profession. 3. Service Learning Incorporating service with learning goals. Linked to real community need.

Traits that best fit the course Autonomous Learner – the ability to take charge of one’s own learning Intrinsically motivated by interest areas Self-disciplined Problem solver Persistent Enjoys questioning and posing problems Ability to apply past knowledge to new situations Responsible risk takers Independent thinkers

Technology Connections Online courses Blogging Researching Communication Presentation Prep Sample Presentations Final Presentations

Online Courses - MOOCs We use edx.org Easy to use Great selection Archived and self paced options There is an app

Blogging We use Blogger Easy to use Connected to Gmail Teacher dashboard Communication tool

Researching We use the Heartland AEA Database Accessed through the DMPS homepage under students Each school has a login and password Variety of resources College readiness skills

Communication We use email, calendar invites, and blog comments Easy to use Organizational tool Timely Real world skills

Presentation Prep We use Presentation Zen Presentation skills Power Point Graphics Understand the importance of impact

Sample Presentations We use TED talks The goal of their presentations Appreciate speaking rhythm and word choice An exemplar to analyze for quality presentational skills

Final Presentations We use Power point Easy to use Simple Easy for the audience to follow

Questions? Contact information: Casey Dunley at Roosevelt High School Casey.Dunley@dmschools.org 242-7926

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