SESSION 6, 11:20-12:20
Come Learn About the Most Valuable FREE Educational Web Sites
This presentation will offer participants a look at some of the best FREE educational web sites that can enhance their student's learning as well as their classroom teaching. Web sites will be demonstrated and each participant will leave with an annotated bibliography. Participants will also be offered a view of the updated 2006 Educational Software Preview Guide.
|
|
Eileen Barnett, Assistant Director, Academic Technology, Lesley University, 2003 Pathfinder
Danielle Powell, Educational Technology Distribution Coordinator, Lesley University
Web Resources
preschool-high school |
Free Educational Web Sites.doc (252KB)
Additional Suggestions.doc (256KB)
Podcasting CAN work in your classroom
And this workshop will help you make it happen! Explore podcasts for your content area and use them to differentiate your instruction to engage all types of learners. You'll leave with great resources, “best practices, ” and a bunch of ready-to-use strategies. This workshop will focus on 10 simple ways to integrate podcasting into your curriculum. If you've never dabbled in podcasting or are interested in seeing how podcasting can work in your classroom this is the workshop to get you started! This is a PC-based workshop, though many of the sites we visit will be usable from various platforms.
|
|
Nicole Tomaselli, Technology Integration Specialist, Nashua School District, Nashua, NH
Constructivist Classrooms, Audio/Podcasting
high school, administration |
Harnessing the New Shape of Information
The nature of information has changed in just the last 10 years, and this change has accelerated over the past two. Content continues to flow through the networks, but it is connecting and reconnecting in new and valuable ways, and people are finding new ways to connect with each other through their content — through their ideas.
Learn about the new Web from blogger, podcaster, Web 2.0 programmer, and 30 year educator David Warlick. See how information now travels on many different levels, and how educators are seeking out new connections, shaping new and valuable information documents, and creating customized roadmaps on the Information highway. Topics include blogging, wikis, podcasting, RSS, aggregators, social bookmarks, and more.
This session is guaranteed to have teachers on the edges of their seats.
|
|
David Warlick, Consultant, Speaker, Author, Raleigh, NC |
Robo-Math
Engage your students in exciting math activities that increase interest and motivation. Research demonstrates that the use of Lego RoboLab software can foster student problem-solving, peer collaboration, and higher-order thinking skills. This presentation will describe how RoboLab has been successfully integrated into the sixth grade mathematics curriculum to support the NCTM standards. Methods for the effective design of instruction and assessment tools will be discussed. Student activity worksheets will be provided that can be used in an existing curriculum., and examples of student work will be showcased.
Dr. Antoinette Bruciati, Program Director for Education Technology, and Dr. Maria Lizano-DiMarie, Assistant Professor, Sacred Heart University Education Department
Mathematics, Engineering, Robotics
elementary, intermediate
RoboMath Classroom Resources.pdf (142KB)
RoboMath Mission 1 Investigate.pdf (99KB)
RoboMath Mission 2 Construct.pdf (117KB)
RoboMath Mission 2 Design.pdf (81KB)
RoboMath Mission 3 Program.pdf (54KB)
What Does Distance Learning Look Like?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take or teach an online course? If so, this workshop will give you a look inside the components of an online course and show you how an online course is developed and taught. As part of an Online Teaching and Learning Masters Program at California State University, the course, entitled Understanding and Implementing the National Educational Technology Standards, was developed and is now being taught at Westfield State College. The workshop will also show how the content can be adapted in two online course management systems, Blackboard 6 and WebCT.
Laurene M. Belisle, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Westfield Public Schools, 1994 Pathfinder
Distance Learning, Professional Development
higher education, curriculum specialists
Presentation.ppt (1MB)
Sociomedia: The Transformative Power of Technology
Conceiving of instructional technology as “sociomedia,” educators can radically revise their approach to teaching with technology. The concept of sociomedia suggests that we view technology as a tool for students to do collaborative projects that work to solve real-world problems and that communicate directly with the world outside of the school. With recent breakthroughs in collaborative tools like wikis as well as the phenomena of blogging and podcasting, the technology is becoming easy enough to publish student work without being an expert with multimedia or web publishing. In fact, tech-savvy student “ power users” can be influencing what is being taught in the classroom. This presentation will draw from recent educational theories like constructivism, constructionism, problem-based learning, and multiple-intelligence theory to offer concrete models for using today's technologies to transform the way we teach.
Richard Smyth, Library Media Specialist, Archdiocese of Boston, Cathedral High School
Constructivist Classrooms, Media Literacy
intermediate, high school
"Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants" by Marc Prensky
(59KB)
"
Do They Really *Think* Differently?" by Marc Prensky
(97KB)
Richard Smyth's Web Page
Richard Smyth's Tagged Links
Richard Smyth's Wikipedia Entry on"electracy"
"The Pedagogy of Civic Participation" by Howard
Rheingold
"Toward a Theory of New
Literacies Emerging from the Internet and Other Information and
Communication Technologies" Donald J. Leu et al
"Harnessing the
Power of Video Games for Learning."
Assistive Tech Assessment Panel
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates access to a quality educational curriculum that is tied to state academic content standards and high expectations for all children, including those with the most significant learning challenges. The key to creating access to the curriculum is using computers to facilitate individual student accommodations. Assistive technology can ensure that the unique needs of children with disabilities are taken into account as they participate with their peers in the learning and assessment process. This panel discusses how the Stages framework is used for assistive technology evaluations by districts, collaboratives, and specialists to collect data that is used to make recommendations for 1) adaptive access devices; 2) software and classroom activities for curriculum alignment; and 3) alternate assessment evidence in documenting cognitive developmental levels.
|
|
Madalaine Pugliese, Assistive Technology Program Director, Simmons College, 2004 Pathfinder
Janine Struyde, Lynn Public Schools
Debbie Larsson, Accept Collaborative
Kathy Marple, Accept Collaborative
Karen Janowski, EdTech Solutions
Special Education, Constructivist Classrooms
administration, special education |
ATAssessPanel.pdf (3MB)
***Just the Facts! Build Computational Fluency
Fluency with math facts is a necessary foundation for the development of higher order math skills. However, many students never develop fluency and automatic recall of basic math facts and instead compensate with inefficient strategies such as finger counting or repeated addition. These students dedicate working memory and mental resources to simple math fact calculations at the expense of more complex problem solving. The session will cover the foundations, features, and implementations of a bilingual software program that helps math-delayed students make the leap to fluency with basic number facts. The software is based on the work of Dr. Ted Hasselbring at Vanderbilt University. Over the years, Dr. Hasselbring has focused on the use of technology for enhancing learning in students with mild disabilities and those who are at risk of school failure.
Cami P. Griffith, Territory Manager, Tom Snyder Productions, a Scholastic Company
Mathematics, Special Education, ELL
elementary, intermediate
***Learning Resources with Adobe PDF
Educators and technology services staff want an easy way to collaborate on and publish learning resources online, using familiar tools and rich content to enhance the teaching and learning experience, whether it ' s online or offline. Adobe Acrobat software enables school districts to simplify document-based processes using the industry standard Portable Document Format (PDF), whether they are communicating and collaborating in the classroom or around the globe. In this session, administrators, staff, and teachers will learn how to use Acrobat software to reduce paper and create and exchange electronic documents and forms; collate files into a single document; provide and track feedback; archive searchable documents as secure, reliable PDF files; and create electronic portfolios.
|
|
Ali Hanyaloglu, Technical Evangelist for Acrobat in Education, Adobe Systems
Administration, Technical Arts
intermediate, high school
|
Designing a Technology Department that Works for Students, Teachers and Administrators
Systemic change must occur for technology to make an impact within a school district. This workshop will outline the necessary components including personnel, hardware, professional development and leadership in designing a technology department that works for students, teachers and administrators. Technology has been in our school buildings for several years now, yet in some districts it is not considered an integral part of a school system, including the personnel to support it. Since technology departments have evolved out of necessity, many school districts continue to work in a mode of immediacy. It is vital for schools to reevaluate the roles and responsibilities of the technology personnel. Are you getting the best use of the technology including the infrastructure for your educational environment?
|
|
Annamaria Schrimpf, Director of Educational Technology, Winchester Public Schools
Tech Directors, Administration
tech directors, administration |
Annamaria's Link
COURTYARD PRESENTATIONS
Planting the Seeds… Innovative solutions to establish Pre-K-2 Math & Science success!
How can primary teachers find the time to expose their students to meaningful math and science curriculum, especially with the rigorous requirements of NCLB? Are your students prepared to meet the science requirements soon to be mandated on the state test? In this session, explore ways that technology actually multiplies the power of the teacher. Learn how to motivate students through multi-media technology and simulated experiments to spark a life long love of math and science.
Caroline Koo, Pearson Digital Learning
READ 180
Cindy will share the latest version of the highly acclaimed and proven successful READ 180, Enterprise Edition. See the Scholastic Management Suite and the videos that are imbedded in the intervention program by Scholastic for struggling readers from transitional grade three to and thru high school. With READ 180, EE, students gain 2 to 4 years growth in one to two years time. Learn about the research, the model, and how technology works to improve reading. READ 180 EE won four of the eight Striving Reader's gold study standards this year in the USA. Being implemented successfully in the schools in Springfield and Chicopee for SRG, and in Holyoke, with measurable gains on the state tests too in Holyoke, Mass.
Cindy Walowicz, Sales Representative, Scholastic .
RM Math Framework Edition
RM Math Framework Edition is a digital curriculum for Middle School Math. The program is designed for Whole class teaching, using interactive technology; it also supports individual instruction and remote learning. During the presentation you see a sample of the variety of 2000+ resources and activities that staff can use to engage and motive students to enjoy and understand Math. Harness the power of interactive whiteboard technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics! See how you can transform mathematics to motivate, excite, and engage students! Improve math performance and test scores! The presenter will demonstrate how to integrate interactive whiteboard and wireless technology into the curriculum with a particular focus on middle school grade levels.
|
|
Sue Scott-Mitchell, Senior Educational Consultant, RM Educational Software
Mathematics, Teacher Productivity
Intermediate |
Support when you need it the most with PREDICTABLE, FIXED COSTS
You can picture it: the network has sudden performance spikes, the phone starts ringing - and the pressure to triage the problem, isolate and correct it, is on. Panic sets in. Entrusting UNICOM to help manage your network will save you time, money and hours of frustration. This means you can focus on more strategic problems/projects. Have peace of mind knowing that proactive measures will be taken so connectivity remains stable and users are not interrupted. Ensure that patches and preventative maintenance stay current. Enjoy…PREDICTABLE, FIXED SUPPORT COSTS. We'll also show you how to leverage eRate and other funding sources to help manage your support needs. We can help customize the program to work best for you and your district.
MECnet HelpDesk Enhancement (GWI)
MECnet has added a new way to contact our helpdesk. If you don't have time to call or email your updates or issue you can submit them right online. With this new web interface, you can submit tickets online, view all open tickets for your district, and update or attach a document to any of your open tickets. You will also have access to view knowledge bases, and view informational headlines regarding MEC network updates or new features being offered. Tickets that are submitted will be assigned directly to one of our techs and any updates or resolutions will be available for you to view within the ticket. Come and learn about this new feature and sign up for your username and password.
Annelyse Anderson, MECnet HelpDesk Manager
Tracking User Activity
Learn some good tips and tricks on tracking and managing your users' activities on a Windows network. This will focus on the tools and resources you may already have, just not in use. We'll also dive into some of the more 'Big Brother' options available from third party vendors. General topics include:
- Policy Setting
- Log Consolidation
- Login Script Tricks
- File Access
- Keystroke Monitoring
- System Recording
Michael Healey, CTO, GreenPages
FirstClass - More than Just Email!
Learn why districts and towns across Massachusetts are choosing FirstClass, the versatile collaboration suite that provides secure multi-platform, server-based access for messaging, permissions-controlled collaboration, and resource forums (secure intranet and professional learning community for staff), file & document storage, shared workspaces, teacher web publishing including easy blogging and podcasting tools, workflow development and more, all from within a single application. This session will highlight how FirstClass can become a powerful, single point of access for not only personal email and communication tools, but also group collaboration and resource areas. Having a single license for all of this functionality significantly decreases the total cost of ownership and minimizes the need for installing, connecting, and maintaining many separate systems from different vendors.
FirstClass —Open Text Corporation
Alexandria Library Automation
Join us to see the many features available to assist your patrons in locating and accessing information using Alexandria — maps, Lexile levels, catalogued web sites, and much, much more!
Stephen Kunzler, Alexandria / Big 6 Turbo Tools
50 ways to use unitedstreaming
When it comes to integrating digital media into your classroom, the possibilities are endless. In this session, you will learn powerful ways to integrate all of the resources available in unitedstreaming into your instruction. You will see great examples of how teachers across the country are being creative with unitedstreaming .
Discovery Education
A Journey: Intervention to Enrichment for Algebraic Thinking From Middle School to High School
To ensure success and higher test scores in algebra, we must develop a journey of algebraic thinking from first experiences in elementary school to later, more formal algebra in high school. In this session we will journey from patterns to generalizations, from concrete to abstract. We will share specific lesson strategies for intervention to enrichment as well as regular classroom use to help students to understand and teachers to teach ... Algebra, Exponents, Graphing, Equations, Measurement, Geometry, Integers, Fractions, Decimals. Participants will receive a CD & corresponding lesson outlines which can be used in a variety of learning environments.
Rudy Neufeld, Senior Author of Understanding Math
Fred Steitz, New England Consultant
intermediate, high school
OnCourse Lesson Planner: Improving Lesson Plan Creation, Management and Sharing
Come see how more than 30,000 teachers and administrators are using the OnCourse Lesson Planner to integrate, track, and analyze federal, state, and local educational standards, comprehensive curriculum, and more! OnCourse Lesson Planner is a web-based tool that automates the creation, management, and sharing of lesson plans. Through easy-to-use online templates, teachers can more quickly and easily write, edit, and collaborate on lesson plans. Principals can review and comment on the plans electronically. And teachers can map lessons to educational standards enabling administrators to generate reporters about what’s being taught, when, and by whom.
Georgia Gallicchio, OnCourse Systems for Education
