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Hitting the Road for Technology Integration in the Classroom with the Moriarty-Edgewood School District

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The Moriarty-Edgewood School District, located in New Mexico, is made up of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, and serves a total of about 2,500 students. With a mission to "cultivate positive relationships and inspire each student to excel today and tomorrow,” Moriarty-Edgewood brought on the Alludo team to help create a game that could be used to bolster PD and digital literacy efforts for the district’s teachers and staff. The result: MESD66, a gamified digital road trip through Moriarty-Edgewood’s integrated and classroom connected initiatives.

Situated in two towns located right beside “The Mother Road,” it was no surprise that the Moriarty-Edgewood School District wanted to create a PD game themed around Route 66. MESD66 was designed primarily around technology integration, but also includes topics such as navigating the district's network, resolving common technology issues, and achieving Google Level 1 certifications. MESD66 is comprised of three levels of self-paced game play that help teachers and staff better navigate the district’s increased use of digital tools in the classroom. This includes an introduction to implementing G Suite Tools and Chromebooks; 21st century classroom, digital citizenship, and project-based learning activities; and best practices for utilizing technology for more transformative teaching.

Key Challenges

  • Create a personalized PD experience to help teachers and staff master the district’s new approach to classroom-based technologies

  • Provide a self-paced, collaborative tool to foster both individual and community-wide learning

  • Assist teachers and staff in solving some of the most common problems associated with increased technology usage, particularly within the school’s existing G Suite and Professional Learning Network

Solution

Working with Alludo, the Moriarty-Edgewood School District was able to design and implement MESD66, a PD platform that helps teachers and district take a ride through the digital citizenship initiatives they need to know for truly effective blended classrooms. From basic instructions on how to use G Suite and Chromebook tools to guidance on mentoring others on better digital citizenship, MESD66 plays a key role in providing training on achieving district-wide goals around technology utilization and success.

Results

  • More than 145 teachers and staff members signed up to play MESD66 upon its initial launch

  • An accelerated path to Google Level 1 certification

  • Increased usage and understanding of the tools and platforms that make up the 21st Century Classroom

Looking Forward

Cruising through MESD66 helps Moriarty-Edgewood teachers and staff connect and collaborate across a wide range of PD and technology-focused objectives. Since its launch, the district has strengthened the platform further with the introduction of The Souvenir Shop, where players can exchange points and badges for useful prizes.