Mid+Winter+News+08

=Elementary Tech News= Mid Winter Edition

Online Projects
Jen Wagner hosts online projects for elementary teachers. The projects are simple to do. Two new ones are coming up soon. The first is for prek-3rd grade and uses Lucky Charms cereal. Here is part of her project description: As a GROUP -- we will be trying to prove that there are more GREEN CLOVERS (you might call them hats) than any other shape. (Last year the winning shape was stars). As a classroom -- you might wish to create your own hypothesis to prove as well. Click [|here] for more information, including how it incorporates standards, and to register. Registration is open until March 9th. Project dates are March 12-19. You'll find the registration form at the bottom of the linked page.

The second project is the Great Egg Roll, open to any grade level. I participated in this one several years ago and had a lot of fun with it.(Too bad I threw out my long roll of marked paper last spring). Here's how Jen describes this project: Each registering classroom will work together, by rolling plastic eggs, to measure distance, gather averages, and more! Click [|here]for more information. For this project she has several suggestions for incorporating technology such as [|voicethread] and [|bubbleshare]. We can't post pictures of children but we could post pictures of the project. Registration opens for this project on March 1st. The project dates are March 24-April 18.

If you have any questions about either project or would like help to participate please let me know. I'm thinking about doing the Lucky Charms activity with the Kindergarten classes using the Smartboard.

Scanners
We have a new Epson scanner in both buildings. At HPE the scanner is located in the faculty room. At GWF the scanner is located in the back row of computers. The scanners have been purchased to help teachers that are downloading text to use with Kurzweil. If you need any help just let Josh or I know and we'll do our best to help you out.

Smartboard Notebook Software
If this software isn't here yet it will be soon. This software comes with thousands of ready made activities for you to use with your class and the Smartboard. There are thousands of more ideas out there on the web. Please stop by before or after school to play around with the new software. We can learn together. I am really excited about this purchase and once you see it I think you will be too! Once It's installed and I begin to figure things out I'll hold some afternoon training sessions as well. The best way to learn is by just trying it out. I'm hoping once you become familiar with the software and all the possibilities the lab sign up sheet will be filled every day with classes coming down to use it.

WebSite
If you need help updating your web page don't forget to stop by and see Josh or myself. The web page is a great way to let parents know what's going on in your classroom. If you don't update on a regular basis it's easy to forget how to do things but we're here to help!

Open PD
I am participating in an Open PD (Professional Development) class once a week. It's a free online course. The teacher, [|Daren Draper], (You'll have to view his blog from home.) is in Utah instructing teachers from his school and teachers from all across the US and even New Zealand all at the same time. It's a really great concept. There's a video of the class and of course audio. When he's demonstrating something online the video changes to his computer screen. While he's teaching some of the teachers that are on line also Skype into his class. This means they make an online phone call and can participate in discusiions. Meanwhile there's a chat room going on where everyone that logs on can talk about what's happening in class and ask questions. The teacher and Skype participants keep an eye on the chat room and are sure to answer the questions that are brought up. I have to say I am learning to be a better multi-taker! The introductory class just finished Wednesday night. The next session begins March 5 and it runs from 6:30-9. If you're interested in dropping by to see how this works let me know and I'll send you some links and help you get set up.

As a result of this class I am learning how to use wikis such as this site. They aren't very fancy but they are easy to use.

Links for Kids
I have started a wiki, like this one, for our students to use. I was finding my website too cumbersome to keep track of sites for the different grade levels. On the student wiki all the sites are on one page, they are arranged by topic, I've tried to arrange them so the early primary sites come first in each category.

On this page I have lots of sites for the early literacy help, thanks to the links from Heather Kaufman that I sent to you earlier in the year. They are now arranged in one place with descriptions so it will be easier for you to use this site with your students. I don't have many math sites yet. That will be my next focus.

Links for Teachers
On the same wiki for the students I also have a teacher's page. On this page I have links for web2.0 tools and I've added many sites for finding activities to use with the Smartboard.

My Blog
When I was at NYSCATE I had to start a blog for the workshop I took. It is something I have continued working on and have finally decided to share with you. If you're interested in my ramblings you can check them out at; [|Elementarytechteacher.]

District Tech News Update
Unfortunately, I have to begin with some bad news. Money allocations have changed and we will no longer be receiving the same funds we received in the past. This means there won't be the annual replacement of computers that we had hoped for. Each building will have to prioritize their needs and purchases will be based on what will be best for the whole district.

Now, onto to the good news!

Polycom-
We have a new unit and it will be stored in the MS Library and is to be shared between the MS and HPE. HPE teachers will go over to the MS to use it. The original one will be at GWF.

There is a form that needs to be filled out when you want to use the Polycom. Requests must be filled out at least 2 weeks in advance and a month would be even better. Margaret is keeping a calendar for HPE and John is keeping a calendar for GWF. All forms will be kept in a binder. If doing a freebie a form is still filled out to make sure the room and Polycom are available. There are program guides in the common folder, on the model schools [|website,] on Lori Yeager's [|site], and Margaret McNamara has [|sites] as well. Many programs are free; [|NASA] has programs that are excellent and free. Zoos and museums are good trips to consider. Some do involve a cost. The district has some money available for programming. If there is a cost involved be sure to maximize number of students involved. We’d like both elementary schools to do at least one before the end of the school year.

Technology Integration Days
Lori Yeager will be coming to both schools for 2 days of technology training this year. If you have any suggestions please see Allen/Dave for a form to fill out on what you'd like Lori to do. Nancy Nowiki and John Hurteau will do the scheduling. I believe her first task will be training us how to use the new math software, Knowledge Works, assigning yourself students and then giving the students assignments. With this software it appears you'll be able to have the students working at their own level. I'm sure it would be benfecial if you could log in as a guest and take a look at the program and what's available before the training.

Teacher Center Update-
Watch Mylearningplan for new classes being offered. They will include; drop in sessions at the middle school, a video conference, CPS unit and Smartboard training, and Classroom Connect.