To Kahoot! or not to Kahoot!
Whether to implement the free, game-based online learning platform was one of the many topics discussed at EdCamp Long Island held this month at SJC Long Island. The annual event — held to help teachers, principals and other educators get answers to questions and topics they’re curious about — was founded by SJC alumni Dennis Schug ’97 and Scott Garofola ’08. It was hosted this year by the SJC Long Island Alumni Association.
Other notable discussion subjects included “LGBTQ+ and Creating Inclusivity in Schools, How Do You “Do” Growth Mindset?” and “Twitter 101.” Attendees had the chance to write down a question and hold a discussion on the topic. Other educator curious about the topic are free to go to that session. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to gain knowledge about many different issues in today’s society and the changing world.
Garofola said EdCamp “empowers people to take charge of learning and professional development.”
Schug added, “There is a lot of knowledge in the room. Connections are made and learning happens best when we learn together.”
SJC Long Island alum Eric Mace ’12, who works with the New York City Department of Education, said the event was a great opportunity to bring back important educational tools to the city.
“I’m a lifelong learner, I’m always looking to learn.” he said. “I’m interested to see what’s happening on Long Island and to bring new strategies and ideas to New York City.”
Lunch Detention: Yay or Nay?
A discussion about whether to enforce lunchtime detention at school was led by SJC Long Island alum Diane Fox ’08. She was a teacher for seven years and has been an administrator for the past three years.
Fox said she brought up the topic because she felt teachers should use what would be detention time to instead tutor the child about, for instance, missing homework. She said teachers should be responsible for their children and not have them serve a lunch detention with another faculty member.
Fox added that such discussions are “inspirations for change.”
