Activities in a Virtual World: Engaging Students, Faculty, and the Community

The Student Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi at Governors State University prides itself on the amount of time and thought that is put into planning and hosting our very own virtual events and socials. Our organizations have worked rigorously to create varying outlets and resources for our members. With computer screens acting as barriers for real life interaction, we were determined to find a solution to gather people together safely to have fun, stay connected, and extend learning. We have had tremendous success in reaching this goal early on in the semester. Our first social, a Virtual Pet Show, was deemed a favorite by many due the outstanding turnout. Twice a month, the GSU community is invited to join us virtually through socials including Musical Bingo, Trivia, Paint Night, and Charades. Along with socials, SEA and KDP student leaders and faculty advisors have put together events to engage the community as well. In this time of isolation and uncertainty, we felt it was important to continue to give back to the community. In March, a GSU alumni will help us as we make fleece tie-blankets to donate to local animal shelters. SEA and KDP leaders and advisors have conducted numerous live read-alouds on our Facebook page every month to promote literacy and provide activities to families, children, and teachers. Our organizations also scheduled three professional development workshops for students and professionals in the community throughout this semester covering topics such as careers, LGBTQ+ awareness, and literacy instruction

Promoting Literacy in a Virtual World: Success Stories of Two University Student Clubs

The Student Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi at Governors State University has a main goal this semester, which is to promote literacy in a virtual world. The purpose of this is to help all young individuals become strong readers. Our organization was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the National Education Association (NEA) that allowed us to purchase children’s books, invite guest speakers, and create workshops about varying social issues. This was in collaboration with a local library. Some of the social issues that were highlighted in our workshops are community and activism, women’s rights, and identity. We will also be hosting workshops about animals and the environment in April. Each library workshop had a guest speaker that read the book to all the students and their families. In addition to that, our SEA leaders facilitated activities that helped engage the students with the content of the book. Along with the library workshops, SEA and KDP leaders as well as faculty advisors have been hosting virtual read alouds live on our Facebook page each month. Each month had a selection of 9- 11 books about a specific topic. Starting in February and in honor of Black History Month, leaders and advisors read books about African- American figures. In March, two sets of virtual read alouds were read to the students. Throughout the whole month, leaders and advisors have been reading books about women leaders in honor of Women\u27s History Month. In addition to that, 11 read alouds were hosted on March 2nd in honor of National Read Across America Day. In April, our read- alouds theme will be about animals and the environment

Volunteering in a SPED Classroom: An Honors Program Project

I will be volunteering for 15 hours in a special education class room. Then I will be making a Poster Session showing what I learned from my experience

Benefits of the Student IEA Conference

The Student Illinois Education Association held its spring conference on February 8th and 9th in Bloomington, Illinois. This conference is extremely beneficial for students that are entering the field of education. It was beneficial for the Student Education Association (SEA) Leaders at Governors State University, because it provided them with resources and tips that they brought back to the university and shared with others within the education field. This conference is a place for students in education to come together, share ideas, and learn new techniques. Going to the conference taught future teachers how to keep students’ attention and how to prepare for their first day of school. The conference also taught them how having a culturally diverse classroom is important, how to understand their future job contracts, and tips for their first year teaching. The SEA leaders were inspired by all of the speakers and workshops that they attended. This conference was such a great experience for the leaders to extend their knowledge on these topics, so they can do the same for others within the field of education

Editors' Notes

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Editors' Notes

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A Case Study of How Professors Used a Technology-Based Platform to Provide Feedback on Preservice Teachers\u27 Cultural Responsiveness

Research indicates that feedback is critical to the growth of preservice candidates, and technology is one method of providing immediate and purposeful feedback. Most feedback, however, tends to focus on developing instructional skills of preservice teachers and not attending to improving cultural responsiveness. While feedback using technology can be an effective tool for teacher candidates, successful implementation of this process can be better supported by first providing an opportunity for candidates to develop a culturally responsive lens. This pilot study analyzes the effectiveness of one technology feedback platform on preservice candidates’ instructional practices and cultural responsiveness. Keywords: technology-enhanced feedback, preservice teachers, culturally responsive teachin

IEA Student Program Conference: What We Learned

Leaders of the Student Education Association attended the IEA student fall conference. We spoke with retired teachers and members from other local chapters. Additionally, we participated in workshops on various topics such as math instruction, inquiry-based learning, and school relationships

How Can Technology-Enhanced Feedback Improve Preservice Teachers’ Ability to be Culturally Responsive in their Practice?

Research indicates that feedback is critical to the growth of preservice candidates, and technology is one method of providing immediate and purposeful feedback. Most feedback, however, tends to focus on developing instructional skills of preservice teachers and not attending to improving other soft skills like cultural responsiveness. While feedback using technology can be an effective tool for teacher candidates, successful implementation of this process can be better supported by first providing an opportunity for candidates to develop comfort with the tool. As pre-service teacher become more comfortable with feedback using technology, they can use this method to better develop their own culturally responsive lens. This study analyzes the effectiveness of one technology feedback platform on preservice candidates’ development cultural responsiveness