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Welcome
to the World of Blogging
Walter
McKenzie, Director of Information Systems, Salem
Public Schools, MassCUE Board Member
What
is a blog? Short for 'web log' it is a web site that allows participants
to exchange ideas, add comments, and post resources on topics of
interest in real time. You can read messages other participants
have posted, then click on the "comments" button to add
your own. Over time, discussion threads are archived as the newest
topics of interest are featured on the front page of the blog. More
user-friendly than a discussion board, more group-dynamic than
chat or email, a blog allows everyone to become part of a community
of learners. The MassCUE blog will be set up so that all may read
its contents, but only registered members may post comments. Come
learn how the blog works, how to register yourself, and how to use
this discussion tool with your school colleagues and your students.
Mining
MCAS Student Data: Finding Gold
Kathi
Lengel, Education and Technology Specialist,
MESPA
Bob
Tucker, Education and Technology Specialist, MESPA,
1992 Pathfinder
Wondering
how to go from interpreting pages of student MCAS test data to improved
student achievement? What can your 3-year MCAS data tell you? Once
you've spotted an area that needs attention, how can you make changes
in your classroom activities and resources that will lead to the
needed improvement?
This workshop introduces a process for identifying
trends in MCAS data and designing classroom activities that target
student skills. Using three years of real data taken from one teacher's
classroom, participants will work in small groups to identify data
patterns questions and types of questions that students consistently
got wrong. Once participants have identified specific skills, the
workshop facilitators will share resources (both technology and
non-technology) that can help teachers improve student achievement
in the targeted area.
The workshop leaders are Bob Tucker and Kathi Lengel,
education and technology specialists from the MESPA Education and
Technology Center. Together, they have years of experience in leading
schools, developing innovative curriculum, and working with classroom
teachers and administrators in the area of technology integration.
Professional Development, Internet
Keynote
Followup
Jennifer
Corriero
In
this session, Jennifer will follow-up to her keynote, providing
time for interactive questions & answers. She'll also discuss
opportunities for partnerships with/between students, teachers,
and schools around the world. Leave with (more) ideas, inspiration,
and information on how to integrate the use of online communities
into any classroom!
Notetaker—a
powerful productivity tool
Susan
Addis, Technology Integration Specialist, Worcester
Academy
Ann
Whitney , Academic, Worcester Academy
At
its most basic, NoteTaker 2003 for OS X is a personal Note and idea
organizer. With NoteTaker, you can make a list, organize an outline,
or jot down an idea. It's that basic. But its ability to link to
files and Web pages, automatically index, clip information from
Web sites, and its powerful built-in search function, makes a a
powerful productivity tool for teachers and students alike. It allows
the user to work on projects that involve several media or applications;
yet keep everything organized in one space.
NoteTaker's user interface metaphor uses a visually
rich “spiral” notebook pages with section tabs. Some users will
simply have one tab and a long list of outlines, while others will
organize entire project and research journals with many sections
and many pages within those tab sections. Items can be assigned
to categories (“Optional reading” or “Required for exam” for example)
and/or prioritized.
While it can take a little while to appreciate all
that NoteTaker can do, we've found that once you've found uses for
it, it's not software you want to b e without. Our presentation
will showcase some of the ways we have used NoteTaker so far.
Student
Productivity
Inspiration
Tips and Tricks for the Classroom
Eric
LeMoine, Instructional Technologist/Technology
Trainer, Beaverton Schools, Beaverton, Oregon
Inspiration
is a powerful and simple software tool that supports visual learning.
Visual learning teaches students to clarify thinking, and to process,
organize and prioritize new information. In this workshop, Eric
will present the basics of Inspiration (including some dynamic and
useful templates and examples) and then quickly move to some very
engaging ways to use Inspiration to support curriculum. Because
Inspiration is a simple application to learn for both teachers and
students, the focus can quickly become the curriculum instead of
the technology skill. The skills presented will range from (1) how
Inspiration can be effectively used as an “electronic blackboard”
to engage students to (2) more advanced techniques such as creating
your own symbol libraries to align with curriculum and (3) effective
use of linking and notes. Eric has recently presented this workshop
at several other conferences with participants walking away with
ideas, teaching strategies, and templates/examples (downloadable
from his website) to immediately implement in the classroom. Eric
will also share a series of Inspiration tutorials he has developed
that teachers and students can use to quickly learn the basics of
Inspiration. These tutorials are non-copyrighted and can be freely
duplicated and distributed to benefit student learning.
Teacher
Productivity, Curriculum and Technology
Email:
A Lighthearted but Essential Guide
Maureen
Brown Yoder, Professor, Technology in Education,
Lesley University, 2003 Pathfinder
Email
has become an accepted means of communication in educational, professional,
and social settings. According to a recent Pew Internet Project
study, “Sending and reading email is by far the single most popular
use of the Internet.”
Email is convenient, easy to use, and provides a record
of the communication. Poorly written email, however, can result
in confusion, insufficient information, and frustration. When students
don't consider the consequences of sarcasm or even gentle teasing,
misunderstandings and hurt feelings can be an unfortunate result.
Participants will learn about the ten most annoying,
frustrating, and sometimes humorous, kinds of email behaviors and
how to avoid them. There will be practical suggestions for:
1. composing concise, effective email, 2. writing attention getting,
informative subject headings, 3. the art of forwarding, 4. appropriate
use of CC and BCC, 5. formulating questions that will result in
the information you need, 6. using humor and informal communication
in positive ways, 7, avoiding misunderstandings, 8. helping young
students use webmail safely, 9. preventing unwanted commercial and
inappropriate emails, 10. organizing and archiving important emails
Participants will leave this session with strategies
that will forever change the way you and your students formulate
and reply to email.
Professional
Development, Internet
Mashpee
High School's Experience with Using PLATO Software to Integrate
Technology into the Curriculum
Robert
Miceli, Technology Director, Mashpee High School
Using
the model implemented at Mashpee High School on Cape Cod Massachusetts,
the presenter will discuss the process of moving from teacher to
facilitator. The content will include a narrative relative to the
implementation of a technology lab at Mashpee High School and the
steps taken to ease the teacher into the role of technology facilitator.
Pre and post testing results will show the success of the program
and the presenter will embellish the data with personal vignettes.
There will be many tips and suggestions articulated to help the
technology wary crowd feel more comfortable with the idea of abandoning
past practices and embracing technology. The use of PLATO software
and its importance in shaping the program at Internet and online-based
curriculum will be introduced. Finally, a brainstorming session
will complete the presentation, as the audience will become interactive
with role playing opportunities and sharing of personal experiences.
Curriculum
Standards Reform, Professional Development
From
Data to Learning
Laura
Christian, Project Manager, Mass Networks Education
Partnership
Dr.
Linda Denault, Superintendent, Palmer Public
Schools
Do
you want to make NCLB required analysis of MCAS data more than an
exercise in paperwork: Do you want to involve teachers in an examination
of data that leads to effective classroom action through meaningful
discussion and instructional teamwork? Mass Networks has been working
with districts around Massachusetts on a ten-step data protocol
that gets teachers invested and directly impacts student learning.
In this session, learn how our “actionable analysis” of MCAS data
helps teachers to not only assemble action lists at the classroom
and school levels, but also to create their own “success criteria”
to track that the actions get done and have the desired impact on
student learning. Session participants will also learn how our protocol
lays the groundwork for future high quality professional development
that integrates research-based practice into every day activity
and hear how the Data to Learning Model has made an impact on the
Palmer Public School system.
Administration,
Professional Development
Will
the Real FDR Please Stand Up!
Mary
O'Loughlin, Computer Teacher, Henry Grew School,
Hyde Park, Boston
Is
history boring to your students? Do they hate writing reports?
Make it fun and have them learn at the same time. This was a multi
grade project about famous Americans involving 3rd, 4th and 5th
grade students in the computer lab. Students researched a famous
American on the Internet and with library books. All three grades
used Inspiration to plan out their project. The fourth grade wrote
reports using Microsoft Word, dressed up and presented their person
using Power Point. The fifth grades used Power Point and then made
an iMovie about the Americans. The third graders put on a musical
play for the entire school and parents about their famous Americans.
Multimedia,
Social Studies
Using
Technology to Beam Aboard Reluctant Writers
Arnie
Vretsky, Software Developer and Resource Specialist,
Visions in Technology
This
presentation will cover Internet and software resources that can
help us engage the reluctant writers in our classrooms. Why are
some students reluctant to write? It's not just motivation. Often
the students who show the most reluctance have a disorganized approach
to the writing process. The computer can be an important asset in
our arsenal when it comes to motivating and organizing our students.
Both commercial and free resources will be explored with an emphasis
on practical ideas you can use tomorrow in your classroom.
English
Language Arts
Virtual
Education Space Update & Case Studies
Matthew
Maennling, Virtual Education Space, Mass. Department
of Education
Virtual
Education Space staff will provide an overview session including
a brief description of the VES toolset, a status update, and examples
of how educators are currently using VES in classrooms and in workgroups
across the Commonwealth. Examples will include using VES to support
students absent from school; engaging students in online writing
and research; providing teachers with high quality lessons, units
and instructional materials; and how educators are using VES to
collaborate and share resources online.
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.
You're
Still Spending Too Much on Software 2004
Lori
McCaughey, Vice President, K-12 Micromedia Publishing,
Inc.
Whoosh!
There goes another change in software policies that affect not only
the school's, but YOUR pocketbook. This fun, informative workshop
will provide you with the LATEST, BEST knowledge on providing your
classroom and yourself with software that won't break your budget,
i.e.: Adobe's new mix and match program licensing also includes
work-at home privileges for the teacher . . . got a different platform
at home? Doesn't matter. How will Microsoft's migration to server
licenses with unlimited CALs affect the smaller schools? Which K-12
curriculum titles include STUDENT and teacher work at home rights?
Who offers concurrent licenses, which ones at no extra cost? When
is maintenance a good deal (it isn't always) & MUCH MORE. Your
head will be swimming, but you'll come out of the workshop an informed
decision-maker. Lots of samples and freebies. Come early. This popular
workshop gets filled to bursting!
Software
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
Alice
Santiago, Assistant Director of Instructional Technology
for Program Development, Boston Public Schools
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
(PC) & High Stakes Testing Accommodations
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.
Success
for Struggling Readers with Scholastic's READ 180
Julia
Spencer, Ph.D. , Scholastic.com
Cindy
Walowicz, Scholastic.com
Come
and see for yourself the research and success behind the nation's
premier technology reading intervention program, turning the lives
of struggling readers 180 degrees with READ 180. This session will
review the model, the use of technology, the efficacy studies, and
the results of a successful implementation model. Turn your children's
failures into success with READ 180! Used in Boston, Chicopee, Springfield,
Fitchburg, Worcester, Pittsfield, Holyoke, and more.
Understand
Microsoft's Education Licensing Programs-
Microsoft
Team
Did
you know Microsoft offers discounts of up to 80% to educational
institutions? Are you still scratching your head on what is the
best Microsoft volume licensing program for your needs? Microsoft's
local Education Solutions Group will provide an overview of the
3 most common academic volume licensing programs available today.
This session is intended to provide a high level understanding of
our academic licensing programs thus allowing you to pursue the
most appropriate program that meets you and your school's needs.
Be
An Instructional Leader In Literacy With The Waterford Early Reading
Program
Being
a leader today means addressing the constantly changing needs of
our students. This session will focus on providing schools with
a scientifically research-based literacy solution, The
Waterford Early Reading Program, has enabled schools in Massachusetts
to level the learning field for their Pre-K -2 students. Participants
will learn how instructional technology leverages interactive curriculum
to teach students to become successful readers and writers. Provide
your students with educational reading content that is aligned
to the Massachusetts Frameworks. Come see the benefits of a program
that is being used in multiple Reading First schools in the
state with significant gain and informational reports that
help keep students on track for achievement.
Content
Filtering: MECguard and CIPA
Joe
Coco, MECnet
In
this session we will discuss the perplexing challenges of filtering
online content in the education environment. You will lean about
MECguard content filtering software, how it works, and how it relates
to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This session is
designed for network administrators and anyone interested in the
mechanics of content filtering software and how it relates to CIPA.
MECguard is available for Apple OS X, Linux, and the Joebox.
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.
Managing
Data for MA Schools by Connecting Special Education Data to SIS
Systems
This
workshop will focus on iShare and how schools benefit by exchanging
data with SIS software systems. Learn about our two way data exchange
with SIS Systems. Districts benefit greatly using iShare and eliminating
redundant data entry. SEMSNet currently shares data with several
SIS Software Systems. Learn how easily reports can be generated
with a simple click. As time allows, we
will focus on a few of the more than 100 pre-designed reports that
come standard with our system. Allow us to show you how easy
managing your special education data can be with SEMS software.
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss individual
reporting needs, security and data conversions.
Networking
for the 21 st Century Education:
Do
you want your school or school district to be at the top of the
class? If so, please join us for an overview of networking solutions
that can help empower school districts to breakaway from the status
quo and meet the challenges of education in the 21 st century. Cisco
will help districts understand the value of building end-to-end
converged networks to support voice, video and data. We will also
provide a high level overview of wireless technology and network
security during this session. Come hear from the experts and learn
how to create an innovative educational environment!
TheWholeTeacher:
How to drastically reduce the
amount of time spent planning, scheduling, and grading while satisfying
current trends in accountability. 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! In this session, we will show you how to search the Frameworks
by keyword, build lessons and link them to the standards, and schedule
them into your electronic plan book. You will see how lessons can
be easily modified to meet individualized student goals.
We'll show you how you can collect evidence in support
of your strategies to achieve those goals. You will learn how to
report on which frameworks you have covered, and those that you
have not. You will discover how to submit lesson plans or your
entire plan book to administrators electronically, with just a few
simple clicks of the mouse. 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.
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