Te@ching @nd Le@rning

Online Math Interactives

2010-12-13T10:12:00.002-06:00

Online Math Interactives

http://www.multiplication.com/flashgames/ConeCrazy.htm

http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=12

http://www.playkidsgames.com/games/robot/robotCalculator.htm

http://www.multiplication.com/interactive/quickflash/flash/index.html

http://www.multiplication.com/flashgames/Monkeys.htm

Wikispace

2010-07-18T18:49:00.005-05:00

Please check out my professional wikispace that encompasses all of the presentations, classes, and sessions that I have created or been a part of over the course of my career.

htttp://tracymurdach.wikispaces.com

Wednesday's Web

2010-03-03T11:11:00.005-06:00

Are your students having trouble with harder vocabulary words? Do you wish there was a video source to explain in motion these words? VocabAhead Study Room provides a distraction free environment with over 1000 difficult words explained using Vocabulary Videos and Flash Cards. More vocab videos continuously added. Join us, it's FREE!

Sign up, too, for the Vocab Video of the Day
http://vocabahead.com/StudyRoom/tabid/61/Default.aspx

Have fun learning new words!

AND
Do your students have data that needs to be shared? Looking for a quick alternative to creating a graph in Excel. Try Create a Graph. Students will be able to read their data immediately and make sense of the numbers and comparisons.

Create A Graph http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

Explains and illustrates the different types, and provides a step-by-step guide to creating examples for downloading and printing.

ICE2010

2010-02-27T14:35:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since I have post on this blog. After concluding the 2010 ICE Conference, I have decided to rethink blogging and it's purpose. I need to be a "consumer" before I am a "producer".

Please check out the ICE Wiki Conference Space http://www.icewiki.info/ for all of the materials, videos, and general information about the learning that happened (and will continue to happen) post ICE2010.

Teachers are people

2009-06-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

I find this to be very entertaining!

How Stuff Works

2009-04-17T13:42:00.004-05:00

I have not been to it recently, but the How Stuff Works website was always an interesting place to visit. I came across a link that took me to a quick video on how Google Earth works and noticing the address, it was to How Stuff Works. Now, it seems that HSW has a video piece to it and the look is much different. I would recommend you check out this site

Here is the direct link to the Google Earth Video

How Stuff Works website
*There seems to be a few more ads than I remember. That is the "price" we pay for a great free resource. :)

If you give a teacher a mouse....

2009-02-21T18:25:00.000-06:00

Grooveshark

2009-02-10T13:37:00.001-06:00

Through a jdog90 twitter post, I learned about Grooveshark. Interesting...let's see how it works! It is always fun to try new things!

Bookmark these Math online, interactive resources

2009-01-27T10:22:00.002-06:00

Bookmark these great Math online, interactive resources.

• Math Fact Café
http://www.mathfactcafe.com/

K-5 site allows visitors to access hundreds of pre-generated math sheets or create custom sheets. In addition, interactive flashcards allow visitors to review flashcard problems with the choice of simple card flipping or mandatory input. Online practice or printouts available.

• Math Playground
http://www.mathplayground.com/

An action packed site for elementary and middle grade students. Computation, manipulative, worksheets and more! Designated as a “safe site”

• Math is Fun!
http://www.mathsisfun.com/math.html

Numbers, Algebra,Geometry, Measurement
The main content of the site is aimed at basic math skills. However you will find some more complex stuff, and some easier bits.

• Elementary Math
http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/ekowalcz/math/elementary_web_sites.htm

All of the sites listed on this page are interactive, unless otherwise noted. Sites that have an * next to their name are excellent sites, however, they have ad banners on the page.

•Everyday Math Resources
http://www1.center.k12.mo.us/Edtech/everydaymath.htm

Everyday Math Series for grades K-5 resource page created by Center School District listing sites/ resources relating to Everyday Math.

What punctuation mark are YOU? I am a....

2009-01-18T23:23:00.002-06:00

You Are a Comma

You are open minded and extremely optimistic.

You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.

You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests.

You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time.

Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to.

(But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.)

You excel in: Inspiring people

You get along best with: The Question Mark

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

ICE 2009

2009-01-12T11:49:00.001-06:00

The ICE 2009 Conference
Each year, educators gather for a week of learning, networking, and
socializing at the ICE Conference. Many of our attendees return each year
praising the new technologies, best practices, and educational connections
that year's conference brings. The Conference Committee would like to
extend an extra "welcome to the conference" to all of the Newcomers to ICE
and the Conference this year. As we look towards the future, reaching out
to our new friends is so important. They are crucial to continuing the
conversations and spreading the excitement onto their collegues back in
their schools and districts.

This year, the Newcomers will participate in a Scavenger Hunt at the
Conference. Maybe you will be sought out as an ICE Board member, a specific
Chapter member, or as someone new to network with. In any way, please seek
out a First Time Attendee (the red ribbons) and introduce yourself, too.
Suggest that a newcomer check out the new-and-improved ICE booth in the
Exhibit Hall also.

If you are interested in networking check out the ICE badge on this site. Maybe join the conference live or virtually through blogging, chatting, twitter, or plurk.

7 Things

2009-01-09T18:54:00.003-06:00

I have been "tagged" and am participating in the "7 Things" Wiki....

Here are 7 interesting and personal things about me.....

1. I was a cheerleader in High School for two all-boys schools at the same time! Talk about a conflict of interest when we played each other....I stayed home that night.

2. I had a career at Chuck E. Cheese's before my entry into Education (I guess working there was a bit like teaching with more crowd control!) I began as a Party Hostess and advanced up to Shift Manager. I was asked to attend Chuck E. University (TX) to be trained as a Store Manager but chose not to. And just for the curious folk, yes, I did have the wonderful opportunity to dress up in the Chuck E. Cheese costume. Don't know how those guys and gals at Disney do it....

3. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a TV reporter. My TV name was 'Tracy Powers'. I went around at family gatherings interviewing people.

4. Every summer, we visit a different MLB ballpark. I have a 14 year old who is a baseball fanatic. We began this tradition 5 years ago. Last summer we went to Great American Ball Park in Cincinatti and next summer we are heading to Minnesota for a Twins game.

5. I have seen Bon Jovi four times in concert.

6. I am an American Idol fan. Have not missed a night since Season 1. Really. I am being honest here...

7. My vice is reading trash magazines. There is nothing like a National Enquirer to make me laugh at my own 'problems'! :)

Thanks, Luke for tagging me! Hopefully the 7 that I tag will participate and have fun!

I tagged on these twitter friends that I would be interested in knowing more about!
mviner
pollockburke
abdoss
kti_traci
apkohl
mrscoggin
pmcanulty

Is joining a PLN bad for morale?

2009-01-07T15:59:00.006-06:00

Steve Dembo, teach42, is a part of my PLN (whether he knows it or not!) :) :) . On Twitter today, I read his tweet in which he shared his latest blog post "Is joining a PLN bad for morale?". Read it when you get a chance. Very interesting.

This sparked a thought from me...one that I have been challenged with. Here is my response....

Good points, Steve. How about the Tech Specialist who feels a disconnect from the classroom and yearns for that experience again; being able to implement and utilize the tools that as a Tech Specialist, he or she seemed to be beating to death for other teachers to embrace? Wanting to directly impact curriculum first hand in a classroom or grade level and “practicing what is preached?”. Ok, ok..sometimes I feel that way…if I could only directly get my hands on a classroom…how empowered would I be? Technology tools would be thrust upon them and I could bring in the Blooms, NETS, and ISBE standards! I am glorifying it a bit and I know that the waves come and go, but this feeling of mine does come and go. Wondering if this is a common feeling of those of us in the technology resource/leadership/specialist positions…or is it just me?

Steve made me think s'more with his response to me....so here I go thinking again (darn you, Steve!)

I have been a Tech Specialist in a K-2 building for five years; Computer Lab Teacher K-8 three years; 5th Grade teacher three years, 1st/2nd Multiaged three years(seeing a pattern here, eh?) … I am trying to reinvent year after year as our students come into school year after year more exposed to technology and how technology impacts teaching and learning changes so rapidly! Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do….just thinking outside my current reality.

My online communities are great! Frustrating to me, no…adding to the disconnect, maybe. I learn so much from my PLN and then share with my staff through Lunch and Learns, emails, small groups. It bums me out when I see the educational value of these resources and ideas that come out of my PLN go under-used. I have an email list of contacts in which I share (outside of my building) with too! This group gets my morale going all of the time! These are just guys and gals I have met over the years in education….

So, maybe my PLN does have something to do with my current state of mind….if only my PLN was not so AWESOME, I would not be having this conversation! :)

Wordle

2008-12-21T21:10:00.005-06:00

Wordle clouds any feed or url you submit. Here are my wordles of my delicious tags, my netvibes, and this blog page.

Our Global Experience....

2008-12-18T15:01:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, our wonderful Fine Arts Team and our K-2 student's put on an extremely entertaining and education production entitled "Here Comes the Sun: A Solstice Winter Celebration" (one of the ustreams is below).

As I started to last year, the performances are uStreamed so that our working parents, at home grandparents, aunts, uncles, near and far can watch and enjoy. A chat was enabled so that distant relatives could send messages to the kids. We would pass them along.

This year, unfortunately, some unfriendly chatters invaded our space. The reality of the open stream, I know. Last year, no trouble at all. But this year, both in my building and our 3-5 building, we had spoilers. The parents were very understanding, the kids never "saw" the chat, and the users were kicked out almost right away. Next year we will be setting up a chat password and sending that home with the streaming announcement.

My point being is that with this great global community we now can experience, we will also find that there are some ignorant individuals out there trying to ruin it for us. Although we will have to put the password on, it still feels good that we can share this type of event with our distant families.

Our ustream address is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/here-comes-the-sun
if you would like to see the show! (no chat, though!)

Here Comes the Sun

2008-12-18T10:24:00.000-06:00

Free Videos by Ustream.TV

RLA sites

2008-12-12T11:48:00.001-06:00

Foniks
http://www.foniks.org/
This site allows students to hear pronunciation for letter combinations, the alphabet... It also includes notes for rules that challenge readers.

Reading Planet
http://www.rif.org/readingplanet/
You can write stories, play word games, visit links on Eric Carle... Take a peek...

Document Camera uses in the classroom

2008-12-08T12:50:00.001-06:00

Thanks C & R for sharing this!

Gotta love Scholastic

2008-12-02T20:52:00.001-06:00

A quick writing activity that generates a creative story. Pick the format:
notebook, newspaper, or postcard. Print your story at the end!
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/storystarters/storystarter1.htm

Reading / Language Arts Links

2008-12-01T12:46:00.002-06:00

Here are some Reading/Language Arts links...

Students have a love for writing or are they struggling with putting thoughts down on paper? Writing Fun uses text organizers to assist with the writing process
http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jeather/writingfun/writingfun.html

The online spelling program, Spelling City makes practicing for spelling tests fun: any spelling word or spelling list can be entered into the box to test spelling skills through activities, games, and quizes. Word lists can be saved, too.
http://www.spellingcity.com/

On Starfall, the ABC’s, fun to read activities, plays, non-fiction stories, and comics can be utilized to teach and entertain the K-5 reader.
http://www.starfall.com/

Provided by TeacherVision, find many online reading and language arts interactive support games listed by grade level. Choose ones that best suit your needs and bookmark to learn and have fun!
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/reading-and-language-arts/games/5831.html

Scholastic’s Wheel of Language Arts is quite the favorite! Choose the K-2 or 3-5 tab for Scholastic recommended interactive sites. http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/clf/index.htm

Two resources from Scholastic

2008-11-25T14:29:00.003-06:00

Scholastic has a monthly calendar with events and resources for every day of the month.

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/calendar.jsp?aud=T

Did you know today was Marc Brown's birthday?

Another thought to share....

"Kids may be savvy about technology and the Internet, but as you can see from this CBS Evening News segment they're not always so smart about remembering that the Internet goes out to everyone (and lasts for a long time)"
http://scholasticadministrator.typepad.com/thisweekineducation/2008/11/web-tests-kids.html

Interactive Classroom Makeover Contest

2008-11-18T10:35:00.002-06:00

Take a look at these videos created by teachers and students for the Interactive Classroom Makeover Contest. Sure, they wanted to get "free stuff" and hopefully win, but the message remains the same..."kids learn with technology best".

Here is the link to the K-5 finalists - http://eimakeover.shycast.com/contestant/289/

Science Resources for the classroom

2008-11-18T10:28:00.004-06:00

Current Event links and sites for Kids in Science:

Animal Planet
http://animal.discovery.com/
Find everything you ever want to know about animals.

Bill Nye the Science Guy
http://www.nyelabs.com/
You can find a lot of really neat science stuff on this site! He shows you
home experiments and answers your questions.

Cool Science for Curious Kids
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/index.html
This site for younger kids offers some really cool science stuff that you
can do at home.

Discovery Kids.com
http://kids.discovery.com/
Explore this site. Enjoy fun & games, and even live cams!

Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/kid/
Whether you’re a kid or a teen, this site can answer all of your tough
questions and has some really great links!

Current Event Resources

2008-11-17T11:40:00.002-06:00

K-5 Current Event links and sites for Kids
Headline Spot for Kids
http://www.headlinespot.com/for/kids/
This site links to ABC News for Kids, Scholastic News, NY Times Student and more!
TIME for Kids
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids
The latest news from around the world for kids in grades K-6. Includes related polls, games, and websites.
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids provides an introduction to the Federal Government.
Nick News with Linda Elerbee
http://www.nick.com/nicknews/
Reporting on local and world events that affect kids’ lives

Lyon Technology

2008-08-31T18:12:00.003-05:00

Ok so, I frequently send out emails to staff with ideas, links, or general answers to questions about technology and how it can best be integrated into the curriculum. Last year, I put together a google group that really did not get off the ground and I think that could have been a bit of my fault. I felt torn between all that I was doing and instead of doing a few things really well, I was doing alot of things so-so.

As I re-evaluated the means in which I share with my staff, I still think the best way is to send out emails. But,I would still like to archive all of these emails on a web based platform. So, I looked to google groups again. I think this time around, I will be pleased with the result and my teachers will have easy access to these resources.

Please feel free to visit our group often.

Lyon Technology Google Group
http://groups.google.com/group/lyon-technology

K-5 Keyboarding

2008-08-25T15:42:00.005-05:00

K-5 Technology Resources
KEYBOARDING

Have you ever wondered….
Why are the keys on a keyboard all mixed up?
• Christopher Latham Shole in 1872 invented the machine called the "Type-Writer." Sholes had developed his machine for convenience, but was faced with a huge problem: the keys jammed if the typist went too fast. Sholes tried for months to fix this problem. Finally, Sholes redesigned the layout of the letters on the keyboard to force the typist to slow down. We call his layout the "QWERTY" keyboard (after the first six letters of the typewriter's second row).

Here are some links for online typing practice at home. Keyboarding is a skill that is important as students progress through their education.

Dance Mat Typing http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
Typing at the Speed of Thought http://www.keybr.com/
Keyboarding lessons for Kids http://webinstituteforteachers.org/%7Egammakeys/Lesson/Lesson1.htm

And so goes the summer...

2008-08-04T18:29:00.003-05:00

With summer almost a memory, I am beginning to think and plan for my return to the physical space of my job. All summer long, I have been collecting websites, reading articles, organizing files and anticipating new and welcomed changes in my building. Needless to say, I have been attempting to schedule time to get back to the building but I am finding one more thing to keep me physically away. I am prepared to return and even looking forward to it. Actually going to my building is bittersweet since it reminds me of the passage of time; new students, new teachers, new experiences and not just for me but my own family as well! My son starts high school and my daughter entering third grade worried about being at school without her big brother. I think I need to stop blogging right now; my daughter wants me to watch Nemo with her. Maybe we will even walk to the ice cream store later.

Here's to the rest of your summer....

Web2pointO

2008-07-22T23:27:00.004-05:00

I will be presenting at the Illinois Education & Technology Conference in November and I am trying to get my pbwiki up to date with a few more resources before I sit and map out my preso. I just began a web 2.0 page - http://tmurdach.pbwiki.com/web2pointO
I will be adding to my pbwiki on a regular basis. There are other preso's listed and documented within the pages of the wiki as well.

My friends went to NECC....

2008-07-08T23:09:00.005-05:00

Thanks Vicki Davis aka coolcatteacher for finding this gem...

From Al's Blog - What's Up

What's a gal to do?

2008-06-30T09:56:00.006-05:00

~OR~

If you have stumbled across my posting today, I am hoping that you can help me with my most recent dilemma. Does anyone have any ideas as to why plurk would not work on a MacBook running FF, os 10.4.10 and Quicktime 7.4? I am not seeing the interactive timeline nor can I plurk from this machine. Although, I can go into the profile, check my widget and plurk from the widget? Makes no sense. My Mac mini, 10.4.11, Quicktime 7.3 and FF3 runs smoothly with plurk. I have contacted the plurk “contact us” three times over the last four days and no response. That does not sit well for me when trying out a new tool…

I was hesistant about trying plurk as I find that twitter does the job for me. I only follow about 90 people and 75 follow me. I decided that I should try this new tool and give it shot since so many of my network friends have been.

Plurk and Twitter are very different and each has features that I like. Maybe an anticipated mini-migration to plurk will get the twitter guys and gals moving on fixing some of the things that go haywire from time to time. Or, take some advice from the what the plurk interface allows it's user to do. Since plurk is so new i just am wondering when they are going to start having troubles. Or, is my no reply from their customer service an indication? I want to give plurk a chance and am looking for any ideas from anyone or anywhere.

Since I do not allow comments on this blog, please email me at traymur at gmail dot com if you have any suggestions.

BTW - I am traymur on both twitter and plurk.

See you all on Twitter while I am on my laptop and Plurk while on my mac mini!

Too Proud not to post...

2008-06-21T21:54:00.005-05:00

Since it is summer I did not think anyone would mind a non-school related post. I have gone into full baseball mom mode and I wanted to share this photo and email from my son's baseball coach. (My son is in the back with one of his best friends, leaning his elbow on his head. If looking at the picture, on the left side)

"WOW!!! Hey Everyone,

Well, we're off to a great start!! There were so many great things on the
field today I don't know where to begin. Lets start with the batting; if we
hit like that -there will be no stopping us. This time we were the team
putting up the 12-run inning. It was great to see the cut-off man making a
good decision. Griff's pitching was right on the money. George B.
(he's back) pitched a great inning, strike after strike. Robert Murdach
three strike-outs in one inning, Wow! George K. pitched through the
hardest part of their line up and did a great job!! We had some great
catching from Ryan A. and Griff. Keaton S. was amazing behind
the plate for his first time out. It takes adults a little longer to believe
what you guys already know you can do. My props to P.J. - this kid is
passing up DisneyWorld to stay and play ball with us - we can't do it
without him, he's been a go-to-guy all season. Sean G. was a
hitting machine! Mike O'D. knows how to get on base and it was great
to see Andrew C. hitting the ball HARD!! Keep up the great baseball.
The Mets will dedicate this game to our missing team mate Juan L..
Think baseball!"

Sportmanship, Teamwork,Friendships, GREAT Coaches....isn't that what baseball for our kids is suppose to be about???

Incognito for the Summer!

2008-06-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

Thoughts as the year ends...

2008-06-11T17:24:00.003-05:00

As the students left for summer break and as the teachers sealed the last few boxes of supplies and materials to be stored for summer, I looked around my lab and realized that my school year never really ends. Just like any other teacher, I look forward to the warm and lazy days of summer, but unlike some teachers who leave the gradebooks behind for a few months, my computer will be up and running each and every day. I am always on the look out for new tools that could be utilized within our curriculum. I research 2.0 tools and see which ones that my teachers could use for productivity purposes. I create new "how to's",update ones from the past and post to my wiki and blog of online resources. Because I have more free time in the summer, I think that this is my time to really dig in deep to bring new and improved ideas back to school in the fall.

I would hope that all my hard work during the summer pays off when school begins again!

Discovery Educator Network

2008-05-31T10:14:00.002-05:00

I am very excited to be a part of the Discovery Educator Network as a STAR member. I proudly display my badge on the left of this blog page!!

My goal over the summer is to continue to look to this network as place to share ideas, find resources, and seek out implementations of best practice for technology in education. There are meet-ups, online environments and even opportunities at conferences.

As a part of the STAR DEN, I dedicate to providing regular events to my staff and students utilizing not only the resources I already an aware of from DE, but also those I will be looking for this summer.

Stay COOL this summer with Technology

2008-05-29T18:57:00.007-05:00

I have been asked by a few parents for suggestions of sites and technology activities that could help pass the time, especially the rainy or unbearable hot days that are best spent in doors this summer. Of course, I suggested that they could also visit museums, take in a movie, or try their hand in bowling, aside from hanging out on the computer (was that a bad thing for me to say since I am a geek at heart?).

I comprised this for our last school newsletter of the year. Maybe there are some ideas that you could add, too. If so, give me a comment below.

-Practice Keyboarding
Check out this favorite “Dance Mat Typing” http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

-Check out Discovery Streaming http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/ and search for favorite school topics, such as a country, an animal, or even math strategy and see what results you come up with. Then go to Discovery School's Puzzle Maker http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/ and create puzzle with words or concepts learned from the video.

Math Practice Galore
Check out “Math Fact Café” http://www.mathfactcafe.com/view/?t=P
To create and print out math fact worksheets
Or
“Cool Math for Kids” http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
Lots on interactive math topics and games

Take a tumble with Tumblebooks! http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp
Hundreds of choices of read-aloud and read-alone books.

Exercise your brain with BrainPop Jr. http://www.brainpopjr.com/
Educational movies, lessons, quizzes and fun activities

Search EnchantedLearning www.enchantedlearning.com for art activities, projects, printable books, coloring pages and more!

Bookmark the Lyon School Webpage http://ly.glenview34.org and visit the PE webpage for interactive activities, the Fine Arts page to browse the online Art portfolios and Lyon Students for links to more curriculum connected and online fun.

Please, with any online activity, guide your child in safe and educational use of the web. For Net safety tips, visit http://www.netsmartz.org/

Have a great summer!

3 steps to 21 Century Learning

2008-05-13T06:15:00.002-05:00

What do you think about these three steps?

Lab to Laptops

2008-05-06T14:13:00.004-05:00

Looking at "turning in" my computer lab computers for two additional carts of laptops. What do you think? Here is my thinking... thanks to FNO for some ideas!
Discussion item:
Replacing the computer lab with 2 additional carts of 20 laptops, giving staff access to 60 laptops housed on 3 carts.

The district is willing to exchange our 21 eMac’s from the computer lab for 2 additional carts of laptop computers. These would be mixed with our current laptops (existing laptops will have new replacement batteries installed over summer)

You will NOT be turning in any current desktops that are already in the classrooms. Whatever numbers you have now in your classrooms, those will remain.

Consider….

• Laptops return control to teachers in ways that make the classroom feel like it usually feels; laptops become part of the classroom
• A cart of laptops can be deployed across a room in many different ways, thereby maximizing the fit between the teacher's style and the way the lesson precedes.
• Laptops allow for easy movement within a classroom or across a school.
• Laptops also make possible the clustering and combining of enough units in each classroom to achieve something worth doing.
• Laptops are free to roam wherever students are learning. They require no special furniture. They can sit next to books and papers on a regular desk surface. They can fit on a lap. They can rest on a floor on a rug.
• When one teacher is finished with a technology rich lesson and has little need for the laptops, they are simply loaded into a cart and rolled down the hall to someone who is ready and eager to begin a unit. No need to sit around idle while non-computer tasks are taking place.
• With our technical experiences with wireless laptops in time and experience, we have become comfortable and enthusiastic seeing wireless as a practical and helpful addition to our classrooms

How does this affect the Tech Facilitator’s role:

• More integrated and collaborative role in TECH piece to your curriculum
• Technology Facilitator to be accessible to staff and more able to team with LRC director
• Technology Facilitator available by online reservation system to assist in the classroom or co-teach
• iChat or Walkie Talkies may be available to reach the Tech Facilitator for questions or assistance

Scheduling of Carts

• Each cart would “carry” it’s own schedule clipboard. Location of carts would be arranged throughout the building.
• Each cart location/wing would have a “tech teacher” who would oversee any immediate management/questions about the cart i.e. – making sure it is plugged in, on, and unlocked.
• Carts would be returned to the LRC for the weekend
• Scheduling of Tech Facilitator continues as it currently is

Current lab space in LRC can be utilized for

• Small group work
• PST meetings
• Overflow from LRC
• NWEA testing
• Standardized testing
• Conferences
• Whole Group instruction

Tech Forum

2008-04-28T19:54:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, I attended Tech Forum, a day of networking and discussions about technology in education. Here is a link to my notes from the various sessions I attended. Some great presenters; Meg Ormiston, Sheryl Nussban Beach, Steve Dembo and nore...
http://tmurdach.pbwiki.com/Tech+Forum+Notes

2008-04-26T20:46:00.003-05:00

Take a look at the picture and then read what it is about
http://www.educationfutures.com/2008/04/25/owatonnas-model-for-the-21st-century/

There would be so much to do/consider for any school district to get to this point. It would be neat though. Talk about what is best for student learning in the 21st Century.

Being Googley

2008-04-26T15:18:00.005-05:00

I recently read from Google about their design and thought it could connect to teaching and learning. Here is a list of ten design principles that will guide Google's work and define what makes their products “Googley“. What are my thoughts are in itallics

1. Focus on people—their lives, their work, their dreams. Our students
2. Every millisecond counts. The teachable moment
3. Simplicity is powerful. What is the goal - how simple to get there
4. Engage beginners and attract experts. Collaborative groups learn from each other
5. Dare to innovate. Web 2.0, Learner Teacher, shift in roles
6. Design for the world. The kids need to be prepared for the world
7. Plan for today’s and tomorrow’s business. Dynamics of teaching have changed - teach as if it was tomorrow not as if it was yesterday
8. Delight the eye without distracting the mind. Engagement; Focus
9. Be worthy of people’s trust. Advocate for your students - what is best for students
10. Add a human touch. Approachable, flexible, compassion

Think about it...how do you think it relates to teaching and learning???

Technology Integration Best Practices

2008-04-23T15:50:00.005-05:00

Researching technology integration best practices, I came across this informative website from PBS Teachers. I recently subscribed to this site and highly recommend it to others.

"How does the integration of technology and media improve instruction and student learning? Our collection of recent research and best practices provides answers and can help you plan the best approach for your students." The link is live in this post title.

Key Seeker

2008-04-20T10:48:00.003-05:00

GREAT keyboarding tool for Kindergarten; integrates letter recognition and picture-letter connection! Cool enough to warrent it's own posting! The page is linked in this posting title.

We Think

2008-04-18T21:14:00.003-05:00

Here's a nifty video by Charles Leadbeater, author of We Think: The Power of Mass Creativity.

Bloom's Taxonomy in a Digital World

2008-04-15T10:08:00.005-05:00

Found this from my twitter contacts. I usually do not repost but this is so important, I felt it necessary to share.

Blooms in a Digital World
"educators have a basis by which to compare digital techniques to the more traditional standard that Bloom created" and "But today’s educational landscape is vastly different from that of yesterday rendering a lack of clarity as to where the levels of the taxonomy fit. As education heads into the digital world, many teachers struggle with where to place many of the new technology tasks within this long-standing hierarchal guide to teaching and learning."

I am going to go and get this book and I am sure that I will have some interesting thoughts to share and questions to ask.

Which do you know....

2008-04-12T21:10:00.001-05:00

Top 100 Tools for Learning Spring 2008
Final ranking as at 31 March 2008
http://c4lpt.co.uk/recommended/top100.html

The list is compiled from the contributions of 155 learning professionals (from both education and workplace learning) who shared their Top 10 Tools for Learning both for their own personal learning/ productivity and for creating learning solutions for others.

How many of these do you know? Utilize in your professional development? Integrate into your classrooms? Maybe pick out one or two and decide to learn something new?

Fear

2008-04-11T14:29:00.003-05:00

Great conversation going on in Twitter originated by smeech(smeech.net)

"What would or does an administrator fear more? Inappropriate posting online by students or vandalism of their school building? Why? Always variables to consider in my? Point: I feel as if admin has more "fear" of tech related issues than general building problems? Fair?"

What do you think?

Stuff

2008-04-04T08:55:00.005-05:00

In a conversation I had yesterday about technology in education, the question came up about how we implement technology and its' tools into the curriculum. I responded that it is not about the tech "stuff" you have; how many computers, latest gadgets, it is more about what your students will be able to accomplish with that "stuff". It means to me that the engagement and authentic use of technology is so much more important than the bragging of what equipment you have. Don't get me wrong, it would be great to say you have the latest and greatest, but if the latest and greatest sits under utilized, what good is it anyway? Providing teachers with training and resources in order to best utilize what technology they already have will provide a more authentic and goal-oriented outcome for the students.

Here are some resources I found while investigating this question on my own

Wikibook - Instructional Technology/Utilizing Technology for Meaningful learning

Wes Freyer's Tools for TEKS

Technology and Multiple Intelligences

Awesome Library - Technology Integration

Google Font Creator

2008-04-02T23:41:00.005-05:00

So cool! Click the title link and create your own free google font!

Teacher Tube

2008-03-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

Videos from Lyon School; Technology integration in action

Google Groups and Diigo

2008-03-30T19:03:00.007-05:00

I decided to put together a google group for the teachers in my building. The group is called "Tuesdays with Tech" and the goal is to each Tuesday post new resources for teachers to use when integrating technology into the curriculum. I typically send emails but thought annotating them in a group would be more beneficial and be a great back up for me. You can visit my group at Tuesdays with Technology on google groups.

Also, I have been introduced to Diigo...from the website
"You are what you annotate, creating a presence for you in the community.
Connect with friends effortlessly and non-intrusively through content.
Discover quality resources on any subject or get personalized recommendations."
This new 2.0 tool has come to my attention rather quickly so I am trying to process it. Click to see my diigo profile.

I could probably do the same with the group that I created on google through diingo but I am not all that familiar with diigo yet. It seems that it will be extremely useful. I will look further into it's capacities and keep you posted.

I really need to work on this...

2008-03-14T17:55:00.004-05:00

Time has gotten away from me. Yikes.

I originally had wanted to post once a week, but it looks like once a month is more realistic...

Need to figure out a way to get this in on a more regular basis.

Right now, I am thinking about what works best for teachers when presenting or providing technology resources.

ILTCE Conference

2008-02-05T14:24:00.001-06:00

I have been busy lately as a committee member for the Illinois Technology Conference for Educators taking place the last week of February at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. This year, our conference is bigger and better than ever. I know that is said about all conference each new year, but this time, it is true! We are up in registrations and have some excellent and well known spotlight and keynote speakers. Check out the Illinois Computer Educators website in the title link above for more information and registration for the conference.

Has it been this long?

2008-01-18T23:30:00.000-06:00

Yes, I guess it has been that long!

Let's get right back into the swing of things....

Recently, I have been trying to incorporate more technology into the curriculum for our students and staff. We recently came upon a donation of a SMARTBOARD so I have been researching and creating activities that would best suit the grade levels of my building.

I am also working with two second grade classes that will be creating partnered webpages in iWeb. Should be fun!

Please visit Click of the Mouse. This is where I post all of the links that I have sumbitted to the school newsletter that goes out to parents/caregivers twice a month.

BTW - I have done some research on the iTouch / iPhone. I may be jumping on either of those two bandwagons very soon.... I will keep you posted.

The start of the school year and PLC's

2007-09-27T11:12:00.001-05:00

Ok, we are officially one month into school. It has been a productive, yet different start than what I am use to.

We began MAP NWEA testing with our Second Graders. The scheduling of the lab componant was tricky. So many sections to fit into a two week window. Take that and all the other K and First grade classes wanting the lab or my assistance, and it makes for a tricky few weeks. All went well and we are back into full reservation of the technology resources at Lyon.

New to our District - Professional Learning Communities - A big push within the district this year. We have dedicated times and dates to collaboration, teaming, and presentations by The DuFours. If you are not familiar with them,
check this link .

Here is another link about School Improvement and PLC's

A bit about PLC's
from NCREL -

The term professional learning community describes a collegial group of administrators and school staff who are united in their commitment to student learning. They share a vision, work and learn collaboratively, visit and review other classrooms, and participate in decision making (Hord, 1997b). The benefits to the staff and students include a reduced isolation of teachers, better informed and committed teachers, and academic gains for students. Hord (1997b) notes, "As an organizational arrangement, the professional learning community is seen as a powerful staff-development approach and a potent strategy for school change and improvement."

This should be an interesting year! I will keep you posted.

"At the crossroads of Internet culture and education"

2007-08-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

I recently discovered a PBS Teachers resource and am impressed with what I have read so far. Learning.now is a weblog that explores how new technology and Internet culture affect how educators teach and children learn. In reading the post, Senate Hearing on Online Safety: More Emphasis on Educating Kids from July 2007, I believe more now than ever that it our our responsibilities to teach our students to be safe, selective, and responsible cyber-citizens.
Senate Hearing on Online Safety

Teaching responsibly...

2007-07-26T22:02:00.000-05:00

Two thoughts...but are one in the same...

In a blog I recently read, the topic was how education is or is not changing in the face of a technologically changing world. This entry mentioned Illinois Senator Dan Kotowski's Internet Safety Education Act

Internet Safety Education Act

The summary of the Act is as follows:

"Creates the Internet Safety Education Act to inform and protect students from inappropriate or illegal communications and solicitation and to require school districts to provide education about Internet threats and risks. Creates the Internet Safety Education Alliance under the authority of the Office of the Attorney General. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Internet Safety Education Fund. Amends the School Code to mandate the provision by every public school of instruction and discussion on effective methods by which students may recognize and report inappropriate, illegal, or threatening communications on the Internet on or before the start of the 2008-2009 school year".

Another blog I read discussed (within a day or so of the above mentioned blog) the USA Today article about Michigan School District cracking down on Cell Phone and iPod use in school...automatice suspension if students are caught in posession. The blog,Learning in Hand
links to the article and provides point and counterpoint responses. The blog author suggests that it is the schools resposonsible to teach responsible use of these tools..."Forget about teaching ethics. Just ban utensils that could enable cheating. Perhaps this should include paper and pens, which are much more commonly used for cheating. Heck, ban the air supply so students can't possibly whisper answers to one another!" Can you tell which of my favorite tech guru's blog this is by that comment and what side he is on? :) :)

Either blog posting gets me thinking about teaching responsible, appropriate, and safe use of technology. Isn't that what technology in education should be all about?

NECC 2007

2007-06-23T23:04:00.000-05:00

This year, I had won grant money to attend the National Educational Computing Conference in Atlanta. But, do to a family situation, I needed to decline the money and take a pass at attending. I was honored to be able to attend and grateful that I had the opportunity, but in this situation, it was unfortunate timing.

In keeping up with the various blogs that I read, it has come to my attention that many if not all of the NECC sessions will be available in some way online. Blogger Steve Hargadon has posted a list of tags and feed for NECC 2007.

For me, this will be great to be able to experience the conference. Take a look and experience NECC 2007 virtually.

Who knows, maybe it will work out for me next year in San Antonio!

NECC Tags and Feeds

Also, thanks to Cool Cat Teacher Blog for the trick to embedding links within posts (as above and below!)

Cool Cat Teacher Blog

A Fair(y) Use Tale - Video on Copyright

2007-06-02T22:50:00.001-05:00

Copyright is always an important topic to discuss and share with staff to make sure the law is understood in an educational setting. It is important to make sure that our students understand it as well and know what the consequences are to the mis-use of copyrighted materials.

The Center for Internet and Society from Standford Law School is an excellent resource. http://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/

I came across a video on YouTube and followed it back to it's place of origin...The CIS (Center for Internet and Society). It is a video explaining copyright using characters from Disney. Words are spliced and edited together to explain copyright.

From the website...
Professor Eric Faden of Bucknell University created this humorous, yet informative, review of copyright principles delivered through the words of the very folks we can thank for nearly endless copyright terms.

The video can be streamed, downloaded or viewed in YouTube. As in all my posts, the title of this post is the link to the site of this CIS.

Take a look...the 10 minutes or so are worth it!

Technology in Education Symposium for National-Louis University

2007-05-03T19:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was a part of a Technology in Education Symposium for National-Louis University. I received my M.Ed in 2004 in the TIE program. It was and still is an engaging and worthwhile program. The title link will take you to the NLU site for this program if you are interested in learning more in the Technology in Education program NLU offers.

I presented with two other graduates from this program who are champions for the technology in education cause. The three of us shared integrated technology activites and how they are related to curriculum standards as well as the technology standards. I sat in awe listening to my co-presenters. This symposium was organized by a professor who also is my former advisor for the TIE program. What a great event.

What I appreciated most about this time was not only was I a presenter, I was an active participant, too. I learned from questions and comments from the audience, made a few networking connections and met some really nice people.

We all attended the symposium with the same goal; to seek out opportunities to integrate technology into the curriculum for student engagement and enrichment.

I believe that goal was met...

Today's Lunch N' Learn

2007-04-19T11:32:00.000-05:00

We are looking at Software for our Lunch and Learn today!!
Looking at the NETS Profiles for K-2 student, using developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning is a key componant to a 21st technology literate student. Lyon has the opportunity to preview 6 software titles that can be used to support Reading, Math, and the Social Studies curriculums.

Look at how these titles may be best utlized in our learning environment.

Apple Learning Interchange

2007-04-09T17:57:00.000-05:00

I have recently begun searching the Apple Learning Interchange as a resource for technology integrated ideas. This is a set of free resources for educators to find media and ideas for classroom activities produced by their peers, by Apple, and by Apple content affiliates like NASA, The Smithsonian, and the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Click the title link and see what this resource has to offer. You can search by tool, age group, curriculum, and application. If you register as a free member, you can upload your own work, share with others, bookmark your favorite projects and collaborate in an online environment. I have posted two projects (Search_Primary K-3) from Lyon in which our students are engaged in blogging during a Social Studies unit and another using iPods in the music classroom.

Logs not Blogs - Teacher2Teacher

2007-04-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

Tumblr... Tumblr allows the user to create a log that makes it easier, faster, and more fun to post and share stuff you find or create!

Check out the my log at http://teacher2teacher.tumblr.com/ or click the title above in the title.

Podcasting "commercial"

2007-04-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

I am becoming more interested in podcasting. A blog that I read by Tony Vincent - Learning in Hand - introduced his readers to this "commerical for podcasting". As Tony says on his blog "Remember, you don't need an iPod to listen to podcasts. You can listen right in your browser, iTunes, or other portable player. The video, Uncle Seth - You Don't Need an iPod, (posted on YouTube in September 2006) makes that point very clear with a catchy song."

Click on the title of this post to check this video out.

More on the Lunch and Learn March 15

2007-03-13T09:38:00.000-05:00

This week's L & L has three different postings - this one and the next two below. Check them out.

Today we will talk about the recent ILTCE Conference and share some information. There will also be a sharing time of another resource recently discovered. Lyon has a trial subscription to Grolier's Animal Encyclopedia and this will be shared with the
L & L group.

For more L& L, check out the other posts. See you Thursday.

3/8 ~ What is Flickr and http://del.icio.us/technology_education

2007-03-06T21:27:00.000-06:00

I have created a social bookmarking page at the following address
http://del.icio.us/technology_education

Although it says "social", I am taking advantage of this bookmarking site to share links to activities, resources, lesson plans, and informative articles in the area of technology in education. Each time I visit a site, read an article or learn about a new student resource, I post to my account. Then, anyone who has saved this link as a feed or as a bookmark, the page is updated and I am sharing "globally" my bookmarks. I hope you find this useful.

Flickr is a photo sharing site. I created a Lyon Photo of the Week group in which I post a different picture each week. You can access this library from the Lyon home page.

Here is a webpage all about flickr for you to learn more.
http://homepage.mac.com/charlenechausis/flickr.htm

Lunch and Learn 3/15 - ILTCE Sharing

2007-03-06T21:03:00.000-06:00

This is an early post for next week's L & L so that is why it may seem to be "out of order" from the other postings. I was on a blogging roll tonight. :)

For today's Lunch and Learn, we will be sharing our experiences from the ILTCE Conference. Several of our teachers attended the on Thursday. I attended a total of three days. By sharing and collaborating at this month's L&L, it will be as if we all attended the conference. If you did not attend this year, save that thought in the back of your mind to maybe consider it next year!

After our sharing, for those that want to, we can have some work time to look at sites or software that may have been mentioned in the conference presentations.

Oh yes, I am providing two GU after school class opportunities. One is on Comic Life in the Curriculum and the other on iPhoto, iTunes, and Garageband in the classroom. Ask me more about it...check the intranet GU link for registration & dates, too.

Here are some links for this month.

http://iltce2007.blogspot.com/
This is the blog that has been created where attendees and conference committee members are "talking"

http://www.il-tce.org/present07/present_index07.asp
This is the site where you can see the title of a workshop and then view what the presenters provided in websites, handouts and pdf’s.

http://www.il-tce.org/home/home.asp
This is the link for the conference home page.

http://chapters.iceberg.org/nice/index.html
This is the website for the Northern Illinois Computing Educators.
"The Northern Illinois Computing Educators Chapter of the Illinois Computing Educators (NICE) provides support to computing professionals involved in education in northern Cook County, Chicago and parts of surrounding counties. NICE encourages the development, growth and use of technology in all facets of the educational process, and extends an invitation to educators to band together to further this process."

Lunch and Learn - 2/08/07

2007-02-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

Well, we missed last month and I must apologize...it seemed as if the flu bug of all sorts had gotton to my entire family. Thanks for understanding when I had to cancel. We can talk about how we are going to make it up.

(A blogging admission... I cannot for the life of me, figure out in this version of blogger, how to activate links within posts. Any of the links you see below, please copy and paste them in your address bar to access the page. I will keep trying to figure this out...the blogger help does not seem to be helping at all!)

As for today, I would like to share with you three resources. One is a weblink that I came across again just recently. I had used this a few years back with a Multi-Aged classroom data collection project. I ran across it again when the building Reading Specialist asked me a question about it. It seems that our Psychologist, Dr. Rehfeldt (who happens to partake in these Lunch and Learns) shared it during an awesome class on data collection for district staff members. I would like to see our students again use this tool to organize and make visual "sense" of data collected. Some examples could be classroom favorite sports teams, lunch food preferences, favorite school subjects, favorite holidays, favorite movies and much more! I will be honest, I had to look back in the classroom folder to see how the MA team integrated this tool. Actually, one of those teachers ( Hello, Miss Aronow) has been seen at our Lunch and Learns, too! Here is the link

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

I would like to share two software titles that the district has purchased.
The first is Stationary Studio. Are you frustrated with the student use of Word at our grade level? Well, this software will take your word processing worries away. Stationary Studio is an introductory word processor with all of the basics and none of the confusion! You can create customized stationery with appropriate writing line styles, layouts and fonts (including dotted fonts) for students’ handwritten activities. We are going to look at the "quick tour" from this website.
http://www.fablevision.com/stationerystudio/product.htm

Lastly, there is Comic Life... yup, it is just that a comic creating software title.
There are many links to how this can be used in the classroom. My best guess is that your creativity as a teacher will stand out when finding ways to integrate into your curriculum. I am posting the following links for you to see some examples of how Comic Life can and is being used in the classroom curriculum. I have some ideas but they are racing right now in my head...when I organize all of them, we can talk.

From Essential Teacher - http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/secetdoc.asp?CID=1342&DID=6872

From Education World - http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech226.shtml

From informit.com - http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=446796&seqNum=1&rl=1

From Lewis Elementary - http://tim.lauer.name/2006/05/28/comic-life-at-lewis-elementary/

From Country Meadows School - http://www.countrymeadows.district96.k12.il.us/PACE.html (thanks, Judi!)

So, how do these resources meet the NETS for Students?

Here are my thoughts
Profile 2 - . Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities

Profile 8 - Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners

Profile 9 - Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.

December 7th - Lunch & Learn

2006-12-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

Two new technology applications have come to Lyon School!

KidPix OSX has some great new options...
iLife integration
big screen version
more kid-friendly
enhanced for OS X
politically correct - no more "bomb" explosions
no log in screen / no kidpix song
podcasting capabilities

Tumble Books Library
An online collection of animated, talking picture books, reading comprehension quizzes, educational games, and teacher resources. A special thanks for PTA for purchasing this one year subscription to Tumblebooks.

This L & L will be hands-on. Look at Part 1 & 2 - Choose one in part 1. Hopefully, do the other at another time. Think about part 2... Have FUN! :) We will share near the end of this session!

1. KidPix "assignment"
Log in as a classroom
Open the classroom folder
Drag the "pictures" folder to the iPhoto icon on the dock
"Watch in awe" as the photos become a part of the user iPhoto library
Open KidPix
Import a photo or two into KidPix
What could you do with these pictures? "Create" a student project

2. TumbleBooks "assignment"
Lyon Students icon link
Reading
Tumblebooks
Log in
Find two stories for a curriculum area and read.
Are there any extension activities or games?
How could your students use Tumblebooks as a meaningful and engaging part of their day?

Part II

Look at the NETS...which are these two tools and their engaged use meeting?

1. Use input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote control) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, VCRs, audiotapes, and other technologies.

2. Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.

3. Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.

4. Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning.

5. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom.

6. Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology.

7. Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.

8. Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.

9. Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.

10. Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.

November 9 Lunch and Learn

2006-11-09T06:48:00.000-06:00

This past Tuesday, District 34 organized and provided a wonderful opportunity for staff to attend technology in education break out sessions at a Technology Integration Fair. The sessions were presented by not only the Technology Facilitators, but also classroom teachers and staff who integrate technology into their curriculum. Many sessions were tied to the NETS and the District Strategic Plan.

In reflection....

What did you come away with?

Where there any "a-ha" moments?

How can you implement what you learned into your curriculum? If you are not a classroom teacher, did you find that the sessions you attended were beneficial to your responsibilities in the District?

General overall comments?

Thanks for sharing!

October 12 - Lunch and Learn

2006-10-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

At our next Lunch and Learn, will be looking at the K-2 Performace Standard 1 and 4. Ambitious, right? Well here is why...

Indicator 1 - Use Input devices and output devices to successfully operate computers, VCR's, and other technologies.

Indicator 4 - Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (interactive books, educational software,multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning.

Doesn't it seem that you need to look at Indicator 1 to make sure your students are capable of USING the tools before actually WORKING WITH the technology tools? For Indicator 4, we will be looking at some of our untapped resources, or at least ones we can look to use in different ways to support learning. I am not telling which ones we will be looking at...it is for you to anticipate until then!

I would like to see this group serve as an example of how we should start rethinking our use of technology. Let's look outside of the box and see technology and the lab as tools to support learning and NOT as someplace to go to, schedule, or squeeze in each week. We should try thinking about the best way to have technology be a piece, or a different way of teaching a skill, within the curriculum. For example, if there is a Math lesson on coin exchange that usually takes place in the classroom, try looking to a technology resource to teach and accompany this lesson - for example, an EM Games coin exchange math activity in the lab or on the laptops in your classroom... Just a thought for now.

Please post before next Thursday thinking about Indicators 1 & 4. What do each of these mean to you and for your students? How can they best be integrated?

I have some ideas...how about you?

Technology Plan + Lunch N' Learn = NETS

2006-09-20T22:40:00.000-05:00

This afternoon was our first District Technology meeting for the school year. It lasted the full two hours and most of the time was spent discussing the implementation of the Technology Plan. As a Technology Facilitator, I am to see that the staff is re-educated as to the components of this plan with a specific thread to the NETS (see posting below for more on the NETS). I believe that Lyon staff members are aware of the NETS and how important they are when discussing the integration of technology into the curriculum. From this point on, I know that our Lunch N' Learn's will be a great arena for discussion, planning, and creating. I hope that the staff that came for the first session, which was more of a "what will we do" session, will continue to share my enthusiasm and bring more team members along. I am currently working on which NETS we will cover for the 12th. I will post and send an email, too, sharing this information. When we cover a NETS at a Lunch N' Learn, we will brainstorm how our students can be introduced to the indicated skill(s). We will look to see that our technology activities are engaging, rich in content, and skill building. Our conversations and creativity flowing from these Lunch N' Learn's should not end when our hour is over. I hope to continue brainstorming and developing plans throughout the months between our scheduled sessions. Something important to remember is that these indicators within the NETS are to be achieved over a time period of two to three years. The NETS that Lyon focus' on are for the K-2 student. To download a printable NETS sheet for your reflection or organizational purposes, check out the link that Doree and I created for our presentation last year. Copy and Paste -
http://www.glenview34.org/ly/iltec06/resources.html
We did put a lot of time into that site for IL-TCE last year so we hope it still gets some use. (Maybe it will be a Friday Fix focus...thanks Kristen for the suggestion)

There will be many levels of technology introduction, practice and mastery in the building. This is the first exposure to technology for some children and for others, just a continuation of what is provided at home. Let's make sure that the Lyon Technology experience is one of education, application, and celebration (ok, I was stumped on another -ation word..where is Mary and Gary when you need them!) :) :)

Please comment...I would love to hear your thoughts.

Always trying something new...

2006-09-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

Ok- even though this is not going to be a part of my L & L right now, I have come across some neat "stuff" in other blogs that I read. First is the free Wiki spaces for teachers and then the use of Flickr, an online storage and photo album. I wanted to share with staff because these tools are being seen more and more in the classrooms and on classroom webpages.

Wiki's - I placed the Wiki link under links on the right. If you are interested in getting your own free Wiki for educational purposes, click the badge near the bottom right. Wiki's, in a simple explanation, are online documents that can be edited by multiple users, in some cases public users and in others, private. If you want to try out the Wiki I started, please comment with an email and I will "invite" you. Not sure about it so far but we will see.

Flickr has potential! I am more likely to take this photo tool further. Again, if you click the badge for Flickr you will be directed to the Flickr page. If you choose the link at the bottom of the badge, I think it says, what is this, you will view photos that I tested and uploaded.

I would love to hear your comments/experiences with either.

Welcome to our First Lunch & Learn

2006-09-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

Today you will be introduced to our Lunch & Learn blog and we will talk about how our sessions are going to run. I am very excited about this time as it will truly be a learning and sharing experience for us all!

Here is what we will do today -

What are the NETS? Anyone....Anyone...

Why look at the NETS?

How can we make sure that we are approaching the NETS with open-mindedness and not fearing them as "just another thing to do"?

How can we, in our teams, in small groups, or as a building address these standards?

Please comment on any of all of the above by choosing "comment" at the bottom of the entry.

By the way, this is a private blog - I did not open it up to the public so the only way to get to this blog is to know the address.

A short Tech Plan/NETS history and update...

2006-09-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

At a recent Technology Facilitator meeting, it was discussed how each of our buildings were going to re-introduce the technology plan to our teachers and staff. We also considered how to bring the NETS back to the surface. Two years ago, a log or record keeping book was created for my data collection project. I wanted to see the progression of our K-2 students throughout the year in regards to the performance indicators set by the NETS project. For the record, our students did very well and were either at the reinforcement level or mastery level. I believe that keeping that log or record book kept these standards in perspective and teachers were comfortable seeing what great integration projects we were doing and where they fell into the range of technology skills and abilities. This year, I would like to see teachers REFLECT more on these activities verses always recording in a data collection book. Our school technology team will be working all year to collaborate and share with each other ways to integrate technology into the curriculum. Here is the link to our district technology plan
https://www.glenview34.org/staff/intranet/certstaffrsrcs/
technology/Technology_Plan_Short_Form.pdf

Our Mission
We will remain at the forefront of technology integration and the development of technological literacy
across our learning community in order to meet the needs of a constantly evolving world.

In collaboration with parents and the community, the Glenview Public Schools are committed to providing
progressive and productive technologies for educators and for students as we prepare them to become
lifelong learners and responsible decision makers in a changing society. We value technology as a tool
for its ability to facilitate communication and enhance the learning of all students within and beyond the
classroom walls

National Education Technology Standards

2006-09-06T18:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to http://cnets.iste.org/index.shtml International Society Technology Education National Education Technology Standards Project for this posting....

The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards. Teachers can use these standards and profiles as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills.

In District 34, these standards have been adopted and are a part of our Technology Plan.

Here are the six broad categories…

1.Basic operations and concepts
2.Social, ethical, and human issues
3.Technology productivity tools
4.Technology communications tools
5.Technology research tools
6.Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

What do you think these mean? Where do you see our students (K-2) fitting into these categories? Do you have any ideas how to assure these are being introduced, reinfroced, and mastered by students?

Think about these.....

Which of the above categories do each of these fit into?

*Use input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote control) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, VCRs, audiotapes, and other technologies.

*Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.

*Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.

*Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning.

*Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom.

*Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology.

*Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.

*Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.

*Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.

*Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.

For a .pdf of the grade level indicators - http://cnets.iste.org/docs/NETS_S-Profiles.pdf