Episode 47: How To Host a Virtual Summit In the Classroom in 9 Steps

Danielle & Nicole are here to discuss their favorite topic - virtual summits! Whether you're curious about the behind the scenes end of creating a the #totalteachersummit or you're seriously considering implementing a virtual summit in your classroom this school year, Danielle & Nicole are here to walk you through the "How-To" of virtual summit creation. 

When you listen to episode 46 you know why a virtual classroom meet-up is worthwhile, and today we're building on that point, bringing you the how. In just 9 easy steps, we break down questions to ask yourself, factors to consider, and potential roadblocks to look out for. 

Step 1: Pick a unit that makes sense to host as virtual summit

What unit is so large in scope that you always feel like you just scratch the surface with how you traditionally cover it? (Nothing comes to mind? In episode #18, we talked about how to teach topics you can’t stand— this very well might be one of them)

Step 2: Select what students will be responsible for in terms of creating the virtual summit.  Think outside just the presentation itself. Student autonomy is key! 

Name of Summit.  You have the general topic/concept, but let students choose a name for more ownership and creativity. How can you make this happen— have students work in small groups to come up with their name and a pitch for why. 

Step 3: Craft a corresponding rubric or rubrics to use for each of the requirements students must meet

Identify Common Core Standards you are looking to address

What you’ll probably want included for this rubric or to have separate rubrics for:

Presentation— creativity, accuracy, understanding audience

Networking/Engagement—how do they interact with others “in chat.”  The quality and quantity of what is said, how it is said

The “extras”— do students need to create a corresponding PowerPoint for their talk? Do they need to create a virtual or physical thumbnail display of their talk

Step 4:  Decide what technology you need to use to make this happen.  When will students be viewing the presentations? How will they give their feedback?

Step 5: Determine how to model the concept and any related technology in your classroom

Don’t assume students know how to use a particular piece of technology.  Time will probably need to be built in for students to learn this.  Do students need to edit their videos? Upload them?  These small logistics are things that can cause a lot of problems come the due date if you don’t plan for it as students are unlikely to know what they don’t know

Step 6: Get students HYPED

Step 7: Decide what students will need extra support with to create their virtual summit and select how much class time to devote to it

Step 8: How can the summit live on/be shared with others?

Grab our bulletin board print outs and utilize QR codes

Use Class Dojo to share with parents

Step 9: Reflection to help you iterate

Build in time for you and your students to reflect on the project, stay organized, student growth and ownership, make it even smoother next time or for next year