Top Ten Teacher Tips for the New School Year!

Welcome Back Educators!

New year. New students. Fresh start. I know your list is extraordinarily long for the things you must do to set your class up for success. But, there are a few things you need to move to the top of that list - immediately.

Based on the ever-famous David Letterman countdown - let's look at the list from the bottom to the top! Incorporating these ten items is a sure way to convert your classroom into one that has "21st Century Learning" written all over it!

#10 - Represent yourself and your curriculum first. Use your School Center teacher webpages as a main portal for housing information, documents, presentations, podcasts, student work, blogs, forums, etc. (Remember - copyright is essential and please, please keep all information on your site current!)

#9 - Create a classroom wiki or blog. Integrating 21st Century collaboration is key to increasing engagement levels of your students! Then, link your wiki to your School Center teacher webpage... Where do you start? http://www.pbworks.com/ - sign up for the academic classroom, free space to get started! Want a blog instead? Head to http://www.blogger.com/ to get started.

#8 - Talk to your Technology Facilitator and Media Coordinator to find out what tech toys you have at your school... Knowing what you have access to is one of the keys to opening the technology door to your classroom.

#7 - Attend technology staff development workshops. You know the saying... Knowledge is power! You can also take online technology workshops at moodle.wsfcs.k12.nc.us - same tech credit, just self-paced!

#6 – Collaborate. With who, you ask? Fellow teachers/staff. Teachers at other schools. Teachers in other states. Teachers in other countries. Remember the old saying, two heads are better than one… technology makes collaboration easy! Wikis, Skype, Google Docs, etc. are just a few of the ways you can get started. What do you gain from collaboration as a teacher? Fresh perspectives. New ideas. New Projects. New curriculum add-ons.

#5 – Go Global. Introduce your students to other students - via technology - who may share the same project goals or assignments. What characteristics represent students with global connections? Creative. Empathic. Appreciation for diversity and other perspectives. Knowledge of digital communication. Actually, this list can grow to be quite long. Where do you start? Contact our department.

#4 – Start a discussion… with your students. See what types of technology they would absolutely LOVE to see in your class. You may be surprised at their answers. If they are backing you – that is a great way to have full class participation in not just the technology but… drum roll… the actual curriculum area you are covering!

#3 - Start Small! Pick one technology and embrace it. Pick something technological you have an interest in. It could be a web-based application, computer software (that has been approved by our district, of course) or an actual tech gadget. Once you master it, then move along to your next technology resource/tool. Before you know it, you will have a long list to show for how you integrate technology into your classroom!

#2 – Be a show-off! Once you master your chosen technology – share the wealth. Show other teachers and staff the benefits and results based on your implementation of that tool. Get others in your boat!

#1 - Have an open mind. Enough said.

In my own words - technology has a substantial impact on classroom engagement, learning and even behavior. Incorporate technology into your classroom and observe the results that follow... As a former high school teacher, I am telling you what I know.

Simple, yet Great Sites – Vol. 2

Sometimes - we all run across websites we think are simply great. They can be very simplistic in nature but achieve huge things! Well... here are a few educational sites that I want to share with you.

Curriculum: Art

#1. renaissanceconnection.org

This site allows students to travel 500 years into the past and look at the many art innovations. You can also create/add your own innovation ideas! Great add-in to any art class!

Curriculum: History

#2. nationalgeographic.com/railroad

This site is an interactive time-travel back into the days of slavery and the underground railroad. It is a mixture of story-telling about the journey but also gives you opportunities to make decisions as if you were in the story!

#3. history.com

So much to choose from on this site. “This Day in History” is my personal favorite part of the entire site. Being an unofficial (and self-proclaimed) history buff (of sorts) it is very interesting to read the dated historical tidbits. There are several educational/history games on the site as well! Example…there is a “History of Ireland Quiz” and a “Declaration of Independence Quiz”.

#4. biography.com

This site is self-explanatory! Need your students to do biography research? This is the gold mind of all sites to start with. Simply type in the person’s name and voila – you have their biography at your finger tips. This is a sister site to history.com, by the way.

Curriculums: Science and Art

#5. exploratorium.edu

This site (for the museum of science, art and human perception) is a mixture of student activities, teaching tips and special emphasis on the revolving exhibits within the science museum. There are tons of hands-on activities/directions and even a digital library of podcasts, etc.

The ABC's of your OS

2000. XP. Vista. Snow Leopard. What do all of these have in common? They are absolutely necessary for your computer to even function! Operating Systems (commonly referred to as simply “OS” provide the backbone structure for your desktop, laptop, or notebook computer.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, an operating system is a “program that manages a computer’s resources, especially the allocation of those resources among other programs. Typical resources include the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory, file storage, input/output (I/O) devices, and network connections. Management tasks include scheduling resource use to avoid conflicts and interference between programs. Unlike most programs, which complete a task and terminate, an operating system runs indefinitely and terminates only when the computer is turned off.”

So, what’s the latest and greatest in OS’s on the market today?

Windows 7 is the newest operating system for the PC. Check out this introductory video.

If you are a Mac lover, then Snow Leopard is sure to peak your curiosity as the latest OS to hit the scene for the Apple.

The Unix OS is a multi-user system that allows multiple users to take advantage of different resources all at one time! Nice thing about Unix? It is open-source (free) and runs on a variety of computer platforms!

Quite like Unix, Linux is another type of OS that is also open-source and runs on a PC. Who uses Linux? According to howstuffworks.com, typically the folks most interested in going against the norm of Windows and Mac operating systems…

· People who already know UNIX and want to run it on PC-type hardware;

· People who want to experiment with operating system principles;

· People who need or want a great deal of control over their operating system; and

· People who have personal problems with Microsoft

What's on the OS horizon? Google's newest arrival... the Google Chrome OS. It is in the works and is supposed to change how we look at the OS altogether... Stay tuned for its release...

So, after all is said and done, are you still using Windows 2000 or XP? Don’t feel bad. As long as your computer is performing up to par and your tasks and goals are met – all is well.

*Disclaimer – This post is for educational and information purposes only. Please do not attempt to upgrade any of the district and/or school-owned desktops or laptops. As with all processes and protocols, the Technology Department will handle upgrades, etc. when appropriate.

Ashe County Technology Conference 2009

As you may have already read in an earlier post, Emory and I were given the opportunity to present last week at the 2009 Technology Conference in Ashe County, North Carolina!

Technology Conferences are always exciting - you go in with a great expectation and huge anticipation for learning, seeing, and hearing something that will inspire you back at your desk. This time, though, things were a little bit different... As a presenter, I was in the role to provide that inspiration to others. Did I do just that? I sure hope so. I received a lot of kind words and many thanks for my session titled "Introduction to Wikis" using PBWorks.

So, what was my main goal in presenting the idea of wikis into a regular classroom curriculum? Simple. It gives the students a 21st century method for presenting the same work they always have. The key here... teachers must realize that 21st century skills learning doesn't necessarily mean changing the curriculum... it just means taking a second look at the delivery method - as a teacher and as a student. Where can you start? Tackle the two most common assignments most teachers give... Writing Prompts and Research Projects. Both make excellent use of the wiki and collaborative learning environment.

Whether presenting away from home, or simply doing the day-to-day workshops here and there, inspiration is my top priority. I want to inspire teachers on several levels.

I want to...

• Inspire them to be open-minded in their quest for achieving successful 21st century learning environments in their classrooms;
• Inspire them to be gutsy and try new things - being oh so mindful that the new things they try aren't so "new" to the students! We just need to shape what they already use into our educational molds and purposes!
• Inspire them to believe in themselves. It does not matter how long you've been a teacher... learning is the name of the game in your 1st year and in your 30th year.
• Inspire them to see the bigger picture... yes, the little details matter during the day when integrating technology into the projects, one class project at a time - but better still - the big pictures makes way for overall and increased technological skill development by the end of the academic year

Did I enjoy presenting? For certain. I only hope that those folks who came into my session left with the same passion I came in with.

Want to check out the technology conference format? Take a look.

21st Century Labs Vol. 3

As the summer progresses, and the labs become closer to being ready for student use... many questions seem to arise...

1) Regardless of the budget, is there a particular classroom design that has just proven most successful (in other districts)?

2) Is it just the "stuff" that makes the 21st Century Lab design "work"? Or, does the physical "layout" of the room make the most difference?

3) Does the redesign or newly designed lab increase morale and overall teacher attitude towards technology?

Where are we at with the particular schools I am following closely? All of the labs are currently waiting on the furniture and the "stuff" - whiteboards, document cameras, etc. etc.

These 21st century lab posts seem to be serving as a great foundation for the final project... the questions I ponder are questions I will answer in my research. The completed research will be in the form of a wiki which will basically showcase specific focus areas of 21st century lab designs in classrooms today. Wiki address forthcoming... stay tuned.

Standard Course of Study... in an instant!

The NC Standard Course of Study should always be in the forefront of your mind. Always. But, here in the 21^st Century, what can you do to immediately blend the SCOS with technology? Lots!

Check out these resources that align the NCSCOS with technological skills that are sure to engage your students instantly. Key word? Instantly.

netTrekker

What IS netTrekker? As defined by netTrekker, an online application that delivers digital content, organized by grade and reading level all aligned with the SCOS. Differentiated instruction tools are the key!

Watch a video about netTrekker from our very own Project Manager for Instructional Technology, Marlo Gaddis. Watch another video explaining netTrekker in comparison to Google. (This video is from a teacher’s perspective)

Curriculum Pathways

What IS Curriculum Pathways? As defined by SAS, Curriculum Pathways is an online resource for students and teachers. SAS Curriculum Pathways provides standards-based content in all the core disciplines, covering grades 8-14.

Watch an introduction video for Curriculum Pathways and get a great overview of what to expect when you log in.

Learn360

What IS Learn360? Streaming media that covers content from all areas of the K-12 curriculum. Example video resources are provided for teacher/student use from PBS, National Geographic, Standard Deviants, Slim Goodbody, and Sunburst Visual Media™, just to name a few.

Watch the demo for Learn360

Simply need access to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Online? Take a look at these two sites.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/

http://www.learnnc.org/scos/

Only need access to a copy to print?

Question:

What is the goal in producing a technology rich curriculum?

Answer:

A learning yet interactive experience in which your students gain core knowledge, insight, new perspectives and new technological skills.

As you begin looking towards a brand new academic year… include netTrekker, Curriculum Pathways and Learn360 in your lesson plans! A learning yet interactive experience in which your students gain core knowledge, insight, new perspectives and new technological skills is sure to follow.

Meet Mr. Marzano

Speaker. Trainer. Author of 30 books. Writer of 150 articles. Educator.

In education, there are constantly terms thrown around like Marzano’s Instructional Strategies and Marzano’s Standards.

Who exactly is Marzano? Internationally known, Dr. Robert J. Marzano, has made it his mission to study, research and impact our educational society today. He has done dozens of research projects, carefully studying the outcomes of instructional strategies today. His research is known as practical, applicable – and classroom changing.

What does he believe should happen in every classroom and in every district? Simply put? Three things (or commitments, as he refers to them):

- Commitment 1: Develop a System of Individual Student Feedback at the District, School, and Classroom Levels.

- Commitment 2: Ensure Effective Teaching in Every Classroom.

- Commitment 3: Build Background Knowledge for All Students.

Want a closer look? Check out the following…

• List of Marzano’s books
  
• Marzano Online
  
• Preview “Classroom Instruction that Works”
  
• Overview: Instructional Strategies that Work

21st Century Lab: New Directions

Questions to ponder for this week? There are several as I jump into my research for effective, efficient, productive and successful 21st century lab designs....

1)How big of a role does budget actually play?

2)How long does it take, realistically, in planning a 21st century lab overhaul?

3)Do 21st century lab designs reflect general and overall interior design thought-processes?

21st Century Labs VOL. 1

Beginning today, I will begin to write various posts as I delve into my research and study of 21st Century lab design for my internship.

Professional Development Goals:

- Determine how layout and design of 21st Century labs impacts learning

- Determine types of technology needed for successfully outfitting modern-day labs

- Determine how different types of classroom/lab environments impact learning today

Proposed Outcomes:

- Research can provide direction for proposals within current labs that are being revitalized or newly constructed

- Research can provide insight for schools considering no cost and/or cost-effective room revisions/updates

Overall, I plan to use three-four schools that are within our district whom have already identified necessary changes and/or upgrades to their existing or new construction computer labs. Based on the space requirements, budget and goals of the school, I hope to do research that gains/gives a better understanding of direction(s) these schools can move toward. 

 

I believe it is very interesting, impacting and substantive to look at how actual environments change the atmosphere of a space. I want to carry this interest into an educational sector by looking at lab design and the possible effects it has on student achievement.

 

Within two of the spaces, I want to provide (theoretical) no cost and/or cost-effective ways that technology can be maximized in each space - solely dependent upon the individual schools' needs.

With the use of this blog, a wiki for my research and a final presentation, my internship will prove to be a mixture of documenting the progress/process within our district along with "theory" based on my personal research.

What Exactly ARE 21st Century Skills?

We read about it. We hear about it. The Senate has a bill that supports it. But, what exactly ARE 21^st Century Skills?

Incorporating the following into the curriculum delivers 21^st Century Skills…

· INTEGRATING CORE SUBJECTS & 21st CENTURY THEMES

· LEARNING AND INNOVATION SKILLS

· CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

· COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

· INFORMATION, MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

· INFORMATION LITERACY

· MEDIA LITERACY

· ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) LITERACY

· LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS

· FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

· INITIATIVE AND SELF-DIRECTION

· SOCIAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL SKILLS

· PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

· LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY

To find a full explanation of this framework, take a look at this student outcomes white paper online. Visual Learner? Watch this short video which gives a great, generic overview of the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills and how/where to find additional information on their site.

It is great to know our government is on board with education reform and looking ahead to provide adequate support to our classrooms. As quoted in eSchoolNews.com, Shelley Pasnik, director of the Education Development Center's Center for Children and Technology states "The purpose of the 21st Skills Incentive Funds Act is to offer competitive grants from the Department of Education for states willing to invest in education reform. She sums up the senate’s support well. Be sure to take a look at the actual bill as posted by the Library of Congress.

Want more in-depth information? Check out this .pdf from the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills.

It's A Zoo Out There!

Studying animals and their habitats, life cycles, characteristics, or anything even remotely related? With the state of the economy, you may not have the classroom funds to visit the zoo but there is a way to bring the zoo to your room!

Check out the Smithsonian National Zoo at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm and find some awesome resources. Yes, resources!

There are many valuable tools found at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/?hpout=education_link&xtr= that provide many starting points and great curriculum add-ons.

Browse through the list of:

·         Free Curriculum Guides

·         Explorer Kits (fee-based)

·         Homework Helper

·         Research Articles and Podcasts

·         Online Habitat Education Program

·         Fact Sheets

·         Live Animal Web Cams

·         Educator’s Newsletter

...and much more!

Like the info you found here? If so, go a step further and check out what I believe to be the information mecca of the United States… The Smithsonian Institution! Or, go straight to theSmithsonian Educator section where they help you prepare, plan, and teach. What can you expect from this site…. Lesson plans and resources aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Every student in your class can be a film producer. Yes, every student. Questions you may ask yourself…

Why would I want them to produce a film?

What good would it do?

How would that even fit into my curriculum?

Which types of equipment, tools and resources would I need to make it happen?

When would I have time to add this type of project into my curriculum?

All very good questions! Here are some answers!

• Choose a unit, (goal/objective) based within the NC Standard Course of Study
  
• Gather digital cameras or Flip Cameras from your Media Center and/or teachers at your school
  
• Teach the lesson as you normally would...
• At the end of the lesson, have the students use the camera to shoot footage depicting their perspective of the lesson - showing you (visually) what they have learned!
  
• Allow them class time for making/producing the video. Be sure to find out which students have access to cameras at home!
• Have the students upload the video footage into Windows Movie Maker (or video-editing software of your choice) to make any necessary edits, add text, music, narration, etc.
  
• Decide on a red-carpet “Premiere” Day and showcase each of the students' documentaries!
  
• Check out these resources to help your students along the way... Roadmaps andCharacteristics. These informational links are courtesy of Digital Documentaries.

Want a specific example?

• Eighth Grade: Social Studies
• Competency Goal 1 – Objective 1.01: Assess the impact of geography on the settlement and developing economy of the Carolina colony

What footage could your students shoot that would provide distinct visuals for Objective 1.01 of the NC Standard Course of Study within Social Studies?

What happened with this lesson? Simple! Your curriculum didn’t change, but you added 21st Century Learning Skills into the mix. Did the students seem to enjoy learning? My guess is a resounding yes!

Don’t teach Social Studies? This idea of allowing video/camera footage to tell a story works across the curriculum!

Don’t stop with documentaries! Try PSAs, commercials or even movie trailers! Movie trailer video footage or posters are a great way to showcase a required historical reading/text.

Not sure how to use a Flip Camera or Windows Movie Maker? Contact us! We'll be happy to show you how!