WELCOME TO GIFTED 36O: Increasing Student Engagement

I am Dr. Brian Housand.

I am so glad that you are here and joining me for this Professional Learning Experience.

Before we get started, please watch this first video segment as I discuss some of what GIFTED 36O is and is not.

Now that you have watched the first video segment, let's talk about some things that you can do to ensure that you are successful in this course.

FIND YOUR PEEPS!

Being an educator of the gifted can be a lonely experience. Sometimes you are the only person in your school who understands the unique characteristics and needs of the gifted. I encourage you to use this experience to find new people to communicate and collaborate with. Unlike many "classes", you are encouraged to share ideas and resources. You do not have to go through this experience alone. Well, unless you want to. That is your choice.

ABOUT YOUR PARTICIPATION

This professional learning experience is filled with activities for you to complete and share, points for you to Pause & Reflect, and opportunities to post comments. You are highly encouraged to participate in as many of these as you would like. You are not necessarily required to post something for every response. However, you may choose to do just that. Like most things in life, I believe that what you get out of an experience is equivalent to what you put into it. So, feel free to share as much or as little as you would like.

BUT I DON'T HAVE _______. HOW DO I COMPLETE THE ACTIVITY?

There are multiple ways that you could go about completing almost all of the activities in this experience. In some activities, I have designed things to be printed out. If you do not have a printer, try to think of a different way to accomplish the same task. Other activities ask that you make use of a Google Drive template, but you do not have to go that route if you prefer doing it another way that is perfectly acceptable. The most important thing is to be resourceful. Seeking alternative routes to the final destination is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged.

GOOFS, TYPOS, & CONUNDRUMS

I have made every effort to ensure that everything in this correct. That being said, I am human and prone to make mistakes. Also, while things may make perfect sense inside of my head, sometimes it might not be as clear as I thought. If you notice something wonky or are confused by what I am asking for, please say something by dropping me an email at [email protected]. I will work to remedy the situation and respond to you as quickly as possible.