Digital Cameras in the Classroom

Leslie Carroll, Instructional Technology Specialist, Nashoba Regional School District

Cheryl Benson, Instructional Technology Specialist, Nashoba Regional School District, Center School

This workshop provides fun and interesting ideas for using a digital camera in your classroom. Digital cameras enhance teacher productivity and technology integration with almost any subject. We will show successful sample projects that we have done using our photos with applications like TimeLiner and PowerPoint. We will share web sites where you can get further ideas and lesson plans, find tutorials, and see other examples of digital photography projects. We will present an overview of Adobe Photoshop Elements, iMovie and iPhoto applications so you can see how easily you and your students can make great products from your digital photos. There will also be some ideas on how to share your photos and projects with parents and community.

Digital Media, Teacher Productivity

TeacherWeb® - Easy Websites for Educators

Jeanne Bodnar, President, TeacherWeb, Inc.

Demonstration of a tool used to enhance communication between the classroom and the home. Teachers can provide a wealth of information via the website to their students and parents. The demonstration will focus on how a web is created and the different applications depending on the target grade level. The sites are exceptionally easy to create and maintain for any grade level. Each web is very flexible and readily customized for any teaching situation. The demonstration will show how the teacher makes daily updates to the website for homework, announcements, calendar, and various other page options. The teacher also has the ability to provide links to other websites. The comments from existing teachers show that it is easy to use and they can fit the updates into their daily schedule. This product has been in use in the United States and internationally for the last seven years.

Internet, Teacher Productivity

A Day in the Life of an Educator's Handheld

Kathleen Schrock, Administrator for Technology, Nauset Public Schools, 1996 Pathfinder

Through virtual participation in the trip of a handheld computer during a single school day, from sun-up to sun-down, participants will understand how the use of this simple tool can enhance instruction, excite and empower students, and increase the productivity of students, teachers, and administrators. Participants will be introduced to many different pieces of free/inexpensive software for the handheld computer and ways in which they can be effectively used to impact teaching and learning.
   The presentation will start at home with the educator who is utilizing the Palm for personal and professional tasks, move on to school where she is attending an early morning department meeting and beaming a shared file to others, moves on to the use of the handheld as a teaching and learning tool with her classes during the day, continuing after work with professional productivity use of the device to support the teaching process, and then moving back to the use of the handheld for personal needs such as shopping and preparing dinner. The intent is to demonstrate a mix of personal, productivity, and instructional uses of the handheld computer so educators can understand and imagine the many things it is capable of.
Handhelds, Teacher Productivity

Using QSP to Improve Student Performance

Debora Morgan, Director of Technology, Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School

Laurel McCarthy, Classroom Teacher, Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School

This workshop will demonstrate the FREE web-based Decision Support System developed for schools by UCLA (through funding from the Federal Government). Our demonstration will include how our school is using this program to data-warehouse our test scores including MCAS, Stanford 9, Unit Tests and other performance indicators. This powerful, easy-to-use program has the ability to disaggregates test data and other data by various groups; display the performance history of individual students, classrooms, schools; allows schools to add local variables to meet unique site needs and allows for cross correlation of disparate data to gain insight into influencing factors, patterns and trends. Other features are the ability to create an electronic student portfolio and a grade book module. This is powerful reporting tool for administrators and teachers and parent communication. The most compelling feature of the program is that it is capable of goal and target setting with continuous monitoring of progress.The ability to create custom reports for parents.

Administration, Teacher Productivity, Assessment

Using Templates to Facilitate Technology Integration

Eric LeMoine, Instructional Technologist/Technology Trainer, Beaverton Schools, Beaverton, Oregon

Getting our teachers to embrace and integrate technology in an effective and efficient manner is sometimes an uphill battle. For many teachers, the reasons are fairly simple: time, technology comfort level, and knowing how to match curriculum with software tools. In my years as a classroom teacher, a building level instructional technologist, a district technology specialist, technology author, and national technology trainer, I have seen and tried many models in an attempt to increase effective and efficient technology integration at the classroom level-with varying degrees of success. I have found the use of templates to be one key piece on the path towards successful technology integration. In this session, I will share many practical examples of templates from my years of classroom and professional development experience in Kidspiration, Inspiration, AppleWorks, MS Office and Kid Pix. In this session, participants will:
1. learn how to use pre-made templates to support current classroom curriculum, and leave with access to a huge repository of templates in Inspiration, Kidspiration, MS Office, AppleWorks and Kid Pix.
2. be shown how they and their students can gain application skills and “move along the technology curve” while using templates.
3. learn how to design and construct their own templates for use in the classroom.

Teacher Productivity, Curriculum and Technology

WebQuests: A Decade of Classroom Inquiry

Maureen Brown Yoder, Professor, Technology in Education, Lesley University, 2003 Pathfinder

Inquiry-based and constructivist activities can invigorate teaching and motivate students to take charge of their own learning, understand multiple perspectives, and develop high level reasoning skills. Research shows that project-based activities improve student understanding and retention of knowledge. This presentation will provide participants with a theoretical background and practical applications of constructivist teaching. They'll see how the writings of Socrates, Bruner, and other educational theorists contribute to our understanding and support current teaching with technology.
   WebQuests were developed by Bernie Dodge and Tom March in 1995. They consist of a challenge, often to solve a real life problem or create an original project, using carefully selected Internet resources and specific parameters. They are designed to use learners' time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. In the past ten years, WebQuests have evolved into a non-commercial classroom phenomenon used in primary grades through college.
   Participants will learn how to turn their already good teaching methods into thought provoking scenarios and compelling WebQuest challenges. They will leave with strategies for finding existing WebQuests and adapting them to meet the needs of their own students.

Professional Development, Internet

Your Network: Open to Attack or Open for Learning?

Chris Seiberling, Project Manager, Mass Networks Education Partnership

Steve Miller, Executive Director, Mass Networks Education Partnership, 1998 Pathfinder

What is the source of security risk on your network? IT directors generally agree: even though Internet worms and spam increasingly threaten confidentiality and productivity, network security risk lies mostly with users: students and staff.
   With security in doubt, how is a superintendent supposed to provide direction for technology innovation in the district? If you're facing worms, spam, NCLB data, and students text-messaging on their cell phones, what's the balance between locking down network security and opening up the freedom to learn? Mass Networks, in partnership with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), has developed a practical approach to assessing and resolving technology security risk that superintendents and IT directors can use to plan for action, to communicate with stakeholders, and to prepare for the crisis that you hope never happens.
   You will learn how to systematically build a security plan that accommodates district-specific values while adopting state and national best practices. We will conduct assessment exercises in the session that you can use to begin the technology security process in your own district. The goal of technology security is to enable learning. We'll show you how.
Administration, IT Management, Internet Safety

CLEAR Math: Improving Students' Algebra Performance

Andrew Chen, Research Scientist, MIT/EduTron

Amy B. Smith, Technology Specialist, Millbury Public Schools

We will report our experience using an intelligent and dynamic software system -- CLEAR Math. CLEAR Math is developed by Massachusetts teachers and professors in collaboration with scientists and engineers; It has been approved by MA DOE as a Frameworks-compliant and technology-appropriate software tutorial relevant to MCAS. More than 30 districts in Massachusetts are using CLEAR Math with very positive outcomes. It is known to improve Algebra performance for at-risk, as well as average students.

Mathematics

Learning Portals: Tools in Education

David Laroche, Information Systems Director/Teacher, LaSalle Academy, Providence

Gerard Schnell, Teacher, LaSalle Academy, Providence

The focus of this presentation will be to examine two learning portals, Edline™ and Cyberlearning Lab's Angel™. We will compare the two products and our experiences with each of them. We will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each and examine how each of these products can be used as a teaching tool. Live demonstrations of each product will be offered along with the opportunity to engage in a discussion of how these types of tools can be used to help make the learning environment richer.

Internet, Teacher Productivity

Assessment and Technology

Dr. Linda Mensing Triplett, Assistant Professor, Lesley University

This presentation will explore the uses of technology in conducting and transforming assessment practices. Participants learn about technologies that support both formal and alternative/authentic classroom assessments, e.g.: tests, portfolios, observation tools, and whole class assessments. The roles of assessment in student learning and in meeting an educational organization's needs will be explored.
   Throughout this presentation, assessment of learning is contrasted with assessment for learning. Assessments FOR learning are described as maximizing students' desire to learn and ultimately their achievement. Thus the role of classroom assessments in motivating ALL students to take responsibility for their own academic success will be addressed.
   Technology tools will be described which are appropriate for designing standards-based classroom assessments. The range of assessment techniques explored will include but is not limited to: Multiple Choice Tests, Written and Oral Prompts (Also referred to as Selected Response), Concept Mapping, Concept Tests, Performance Assessments, Interviews and other forms of Personal Communication, Essays, Observations, Weekly Reports, Portfolios, Self-Assessment and Self-Reflection, and Assessment of Group Participation.

Assessment, Professional Development, Teacher Productivity

Spyware, Viruses, Safe & Ethical Use of Email and Web

Jeff Hathaway, Director of Technology, Wareham Public Schools

Ellen Driscoll, District Technology Coordinator, Plymouth Public Schools, MassCUE Board Member

The purpose of this session is to allow for an open discussion of best practices as they relate to the safe and ethical use of email and the Internet in your school system. Anticipated Topics will include the threat of malware (viruses, worms, spam, spy ware); online and email spoofs; acceptable use in general and safety in chat rooms, IM and/or blogs in particular.   Bring your questions and/or suggestions ...we will post the results of the discussion on the web for all to share.

NCLB Title IID, Technology Enhancement Competitive Grants Showcase

The 2004-2006 NCLB Title IID, Technology Enhancement Competitive Grant recipients (Fund Code: 170) will share with you their projects: how they develop their proposals, implement their projects, and plan to sustain and scale up their initiatives. Showcase projects include technology integration into the curriculum; use of technology for data gathering, analysis, and assessment; and distance learning.

Struggling Readers: Giving Students the Reading Advantage

Doug Lyon, National Technology Sales Manager, Great Source & Knowledge Adventure

The NAEP test (the nations report card) show that more than a quarter of all middle and high school students lack even a partial mastery of the knowledge and skills that are fundamental to proficient reading. Research also shows that nearly � of students who are not succeeding, as readers by third grade never receive the support they need to catch up. Reading Advantage offers high interest, age-appropriate materials written at their level of instruction supported by responsive teaching of the strategies and skills that successful readers use. This program offers students and teachers a unique combination of reading materials, software and instructional support to give all students the opportunity to become successful readers. Participants will:
- Discuss elements struggling readers do not bring to their reading including background knowledge, vocabulary skills, skills in decoding multi-syllable works, and comprehension skills to access complex syntax
- Look at strategies at-risk readers need to improve as readers
- Take a look at an instructional program elements needed to help at-risk readers
- Show a scaffolded instructional style can transition students from guided reading to independent reading
- Show strategies employed in Reading Advantage which can provide educators and struggling readers success in building reading skills

English, Language Arts

Teachers Collecting Data Using the Palm Handheld Computer

Sharon Esempio, Resource Teacher, Milton Bradley Elementary School, Springfield

Susan Birrell, Administrator of Educational Technology, Lowell Public Schools

Donna Boivin, District Technology Director, Springfield

Teachers will enjoy collecting data using the Palm Handheld Computers with HanDBase , and other classroom tools. Document attendance, homework, and participation keeping all easily at hand. Test and keep student knowledge of sight words or skills acquired on hand for targeted instruction decisions and flexible grouping. Screen for kindergarten or collect important parent provided data and keep it easily up to date even on the fly. Trial version of HanDBase will be beamed to demonstrate ease of distributing software to multiple users. Directions, samples of actual databases used, and templates will be beamed for those with Palms for a creative, productive, hands-on experience that can be shared for greater productivity.

K3000 Mac Demonstration: New Features

Nancy Avery and Cindy Kerrigan, New England Sales Representatives, Kurzweil Educational Systems

Product demonstrations throughout the conference will provide attendees with a broad base overview of the Kurzweil 3000 Assistive Technology text to speech software. Highlights will include accommodation for MCAS testing, study skills tools, audio file creation, online search for e-books etc.

Scholastic.com: Latest Launches and Developments, Thousands of Online Ideas for Free

Kathy Walsh, Scholastic.com

Come join us as we explore Scholastic.com, with thousand of pages of online and offline activities, professional resources, lesson plans and literacy activities and research tools--all presented in a safe and motivating environment.   Kathy Walsh of Scholastic.com will show latest launches and developments of the site including brand new content and online activities; a free and easy Class Homepage Builder, Teaching with Books, a literature search opportunity matching kids with appropriate literature and learning activities and Classport, a connection through Scholastic.com to connect teachers and classrooms around the world.

Teacher/Student Relations Made Stronger with Microsoft Solutions

Microsoft Team

In an age where children at younger and younger ages are far surpassing school's technology competencies, Microsoft will discuss and demonstrate how our solutions can be easily utilized to bridge that technology knowledge gap while at the same time keep children enthralled in curriculum and teachers strengthening their relations with their students. Microsoft's Sharepoint solutions enhance the collaboration, knowledge exchange and learning experience for students and teachers alike. This session will highlight common areas of how these solutions are leveraged in the classroom and add to a more enjoyable learning experience.

Solving Tomorrow's Problems Using Today's Technology

Linda Berry, Pearson Digital Learning

Today's students face a multitude of new challenges in their pursuit to learn. To succeed today and in the years ahead, they need to have the best learning tools at their disposal. NovaNET is the largest online library of interactive curriculum, testing and assessment resources designed specifically for the secondary and adult learner. Learn how others are using NovaNET for MCAS Prep, Credit Recovery (All year Summer School), Remediation, Homebound, Special Education, and GED Prep.

MECnet Users Get Together!

Take a break with us. Join us for food, drinks and plenty of good laughs and celebrate our successful relationship.

Windows XP Service Pack 2

You've heard the stories, read the alerts, maybe even tried it out. Come find out all the tips and tricks you need to make it work (or avoid it)!   Specific topics will include: Understanding impact on network; Main changes to systems; How it changes troubleshooting; Controlling through SUS and Group Policies; Benefits of SP2; Issues with SP2; and Action Planning

This session is designed for any size network. We'll be reviewing the impact and proper planning requirements needed for this major upgrade.

Transforming Middle School Mathematics Using Interactive Whiteboard Technology

Sue Scott-Mitchell, Educational Consultant with RM Educational Software, Inc, Former Mathematics Classroom Teacher

If you are looking to improve math performance and test scores within your school district, implement or further develop a standards-based curriculum, integrate technology more fully into your math curriculum, or discover new ways to engage and inspire your students with the challenge of mathematics, then this presentation will be of particular interest to you. Find out how RM Math Framework Edition can help you meet all of your strategic objectives within middle school mathematics. RM Math Framework Edition is a whole-class teaching system which utilizes interactive whiteboard technology to deliver a dynamic, and highly interactive, middle school math curriculum. Independent evaluations have shown that RM Math Framework Edition can make a significant difference to student motivation and engagement, with a corollary improvement in test scores and overall math performance at all attainment levels. The presentation will focus principally on the application of software and interactive whiteboards within the middle school math curriculum, but Sue will also demonstrate how RM software and interactive whiteboards can enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum, including the literacy, science, and geography. RM Math Framework Edition is currently supported only on the PC platform.

Migrating to SEMSNet from SEMSv5 or SEMSv6

Many schools have converted from SEMSv5 or SEMSv6 to SEMSNet and many more have requested this session. We are happy to fulfill this request and focus this session on discussing the options for moving to SEMSNet including timelines, conversion, staff training, associated cost, and more. Learn about the additional options with SEMSNet including, iKeep, iHome and more!

Wireless networking & Mobility:

You've heard about wireless and mobility…but do you use it in YOUR school? If not, you really should, it's easy, cost effective and provides an enhanced learning environment for your students. During this session Cisco will detail the solutions available for wireless networking in K-12. Cisco will also discuss security options for wireless and mobile computing. And to bring it all together a demonstration of wireless networking solutions will be shown, with interactive Q&A.

TheWholeTeacher: Standards-Based (and Traditional) Grading Made Easy!

TheWholeTeacher.com is an online suite of browser-based products designed to help teachers manage lessons and grade books based on the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Our product is the newest and most powerful ally to teachers and administrators who are trying to satisfy the demands of accountability without placing an additional burden on teachers. Teachers, administrators and parents can now track the progress of their students and lessons against the Massachusetts State Frameworks while actually saving time with tedious and repetitive paperwork. Teachers love our easy-to-use web applications and pragmatic approach! We can show you how to trim valuable time spent planning, scheduling, and grading while satisfying current trends in accountability. During this session, we will show you how to quickly build and schedule assignments that are linked to the State Frameworks. You will be able to score assignments that are linked to multiple standards and keep detailed notes for each student. We'll show you how to print multiple-language progress reports and add a valuable new dimension to your grading while saving your valuable time. We will draw a name for a free one-year subscription during each session. Join us in our courtyard demo room to see how you can become a Whole Teacher!

Creating the Highly Interactive Classroom

Bob Grela, Northeast Educational Consultant, eInstruction

The Classroom Performance System (CPS) uses hand-held student response pads to greatly increase engagement while ensuring 100% participation. It will also automatically grade objective papers (quizzes, homework, tests) Comprehensive assessment and performance data, linked to individual state standards, is being compiled simultaneously behind the scenes. CPS is installed in over 7,000 classrooms in all 50 states.