ECC Instructors Focus on Innovation in the Classroom

Tristan Hunter (at podium), founder and owner of Schoolin’ Life, LLC, led recent training for Edgecombe Community College instructors in the Division of College and Career Readiness (CCR). The professional development focused on strengthening innovation in the classroom. With Hunter are CCR instructors Varnell Kinnin (left) and Chanda Atkins (bottom right), and LaShawnda Washington, director of CCR.

Edgecombe Community College instructors in the Division of College and Career Readiness recently completed professional development aimed at increasing innovation in the classroom.

The Innovation Technology Training was made possible with funding through the North Carolina Community College System Promoting Innovation Initiative.

Instructors gathered for the daylong training on the Rocky Mount campus.

Tristan Hunter, founder and owner of Schoolin’ Life, LLC, provided key principles for adding innovation in the classroom. He challenged instructors to evaluate their current instructional practices and discussed modern instructional strategies to enhance learning experiences for students.

He also provided the opportunity to explore new technological resources that have emerged in adult literacy since the pandemic.

Instructor Varnell Kinnin says that she was “excited to learn how to enliven the classroom” during post-pandemic times.

Instructors also learned the Triple E formula of engagement, enhancement, and extension. This framework seeks to add instruction that is purposeful and engaging for students. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that any instruction can be used outside of the classroom and have an ongoing impact for the student.

In addition, training provided instructors with an overview of money management tools, and resources and hands-on experiences using new tools in the classroom, such as STEM kits and digital microscopes.

“Training provided by Mr. Hunter is vital in the current educational climate,” says Desmond Sykes, instructor and project leader. “There are some teachers who are unfamiliar with technologies and how they can be very beneficial to distance learners and face-to-face learners.

“Technology is something we should fully embrace. Teaching a digital and technologically savvy generation requires that we meet and teach them with the tools they are comfortable using.”