Written by Keith Tramper, Education Technology Consultant for Kent ISD

Quick! What is the first thing that pops up in your mind when you think of the term “professional development?” What emotions arise in you? 

Now, how many of the images that came to mind were negative? How many were positive? What does this tell you about how you perceive professional development? 

Lastly, what professional development experiences have you had that broke away from this perception? Have you heard of P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E.? 

What is P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E.?

P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. is an acronym for People Learning and Asking ‘Y’: Digital Age Teacher Exploration, that takes the professional learning experience and flips it on it’s head. Instead of learning from an expert lecture or a series of structured activities, P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. sets up a safe, curious and collaborative learning environment that honors YOUR knowledge, experiences and your time so that you can grow. 

As they say, P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. has “no presenters, just time to explore.” You’ll be led by facilitators who will encourage you to share your curiosity and give you the time and space to collaborate with peers to explore it. 

What’s P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. Like?

Whether you teach English, Science, Social Studies, Math, Art, Computer Science, Elementary or Secondary…P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. can help you learn and grow in your practice.

Maybe you’re interested in “Coding in the Elementary Classroom?” You could join the conversation with other elementary educators interested in the topic to share the resources, tools and strategies that you’re curious about. Or maybe you have an experience that other members can learn from.

Best of all, you will have time to go PLAY (or “explore,” if you need it to sound more professional). While you’re playing, your group will take shared notes on the connections you’re making with the tool, resource or strategy that you can take with you back to your school. 

What are others saying about P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E.?

Our participants love P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. In fact 100% of those surveyed said that this professional learning opportunity was enjoyable and provided value to their profession. 92% of participants said they made new professional connections. And, 95% said they would recommend P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E.!

Testimonials

“I LOVED playing with new tools and seeing how other districts are using them. I learned a lot!”

“Lots of fun investigating things WITH TIME and being so informal and low stress.”

How can you join P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E.?

P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. is sponsored by The REMC Association of Michigan who is partnering with other state organizations this year to bring you some themed virtual P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E.s that allow you to connect with educators around the state on topics that are interesting to you.

The next P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. will be held virtually on December 8 from 4:00-6:00 PM. The theme for this P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. is Computer Science. This session will feature facilitators from Michigan Department of Education, RITS, MiSTEM Network, CSTA, Microsoft TEALS, MACUL alongside expert computer science teachers from around the state. It’s sure to be a great event for all educators, regardless of curriculum focus, grade band, or experience with computer science. 

PLUS, if you register for this P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. you can earn up to 2 SCECH credits and receive a $25 Amanzon gift card! So not only will you learn how to use some new tech, but you will also have a little money to upgrade your classroom!

Register for P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. Today!

More P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. opportunities are coming in January, March and April when REMC will connect with MEMSPA and MACUL to provide new P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. experiences. You can find more information about our P.L.A.Y.D.A.T.E. events at remc.org/playdatemi.  We hope you’ll join us!