You are currently browsing the monthly Archive for October, 2009.
I’ve been asked often this school year, “How’s your year going?” My response is always the same, “Crazy, busy!? It seems like there is always one more thing to do and another deadline right around the corner. I’m not a procrastinator, and typically have projects, etc. done way before the deadline; however sometimes it’s just not possible. This is one of those weeks when there is already “more than a little of a lot left to do.” This blog post is actually a respsonse to a recent assignment – send a summary of what you’ve been doing. So here goes….
Teachers and students are excited about learning and implementing new technology tools. All of the campuses are now publicizing schedules, calendars, curriculum, and more on their new Schoolwires website. I provided the training for all four of my campuses to make this happen, and am continuing to support them as they explore all of the possibilities of communication with this tool. Additionally, teachers are now using their new websites to show-off student projects, recording and uploading instruction and tests for their students, and using the media tools to give the community a glimpse into their personal lives. Here are some examples:
http://schools.birdvilleschools.net/1790208151560230/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=60143
In years past I have attempted to meet with the teachers and computer EA’s on a regular basis to share technology ideas that they can use in their instruction and to complete student projects. I do still have face-to-face meetings occasionally but most teachers prefer that I provide information to them via email and then if they need more detail or assistance in implementing projects and ideas we can arrange a time. Each six weeks I am preparing lesson plans that correlate Technology Application TEKS with Core Curriculum objectives to facilitate instruction for all third grade classes in BISD. The third grade lessons plans recommend using www.learning.com to instruct students in specific technology skills and then provide a variety of application lessons that utilize the learned skills while supporting and enhancing classroom instruction in core curricular areas.
This year I am meeting more frequently with my campus principals, especially when they return from CAP or ILT meetings energized, intrigued, or inquisitive about what has been shared by leadership, their peers, or their own personal learning. As I partner with campus administration in the effort to utilize technology tools and resources I am seeing a more deliberate effort to plan and implement engaging instruction for staff and students. Furthermore, I am noticing that the campus principals are modeling the tools for engaged learning as they plan staff development. An example of this was done at Mullendore Elementary when Mr. Pope used clips from the movie Freedom Writers to stimulate thought and discussion regarding the district’s new mission, vision, and beliefs. Teachers used flip video cameras to record responses to the clips that were viewed. Additionally, Mr. Pope has scheduled me to provide technology staff development for his staff each month on a variety of tools and applications. At Birdville Elementary Mr. Sandoval has also scheduled me to provide technology staff development during Block Time on several occasions this school year. The opportunities for training at Birdville and Mullendore elementary schools are a direct result of the meetings that I have had with the principals of these two campuses.
During district staff development days I have supported both Judi Bell and Julia Hyman as they provide learning opportunities for their ALT groups. Both consultants are continuing to model and encourage teachers to utilize technology tools in teaching and learning. For example, at both elementary social studies ALT sessions teacher have met in grade level groups to design lessons that incorporate technology and then at the end of the ALT meeting each group shares their ideas. I have already seen teachers at all my schools implementing these lessons in instruction.
In addition to supporting my campuses in learning and using technology I provided training using USTREAM at Richland High for 3 rotation groups during a recent staff development day. I will continue to provide support as needed when teachers receive their webcams and begin using for instruction.
I spent over 2 full days preparing the Chamber Showcase that took place on October 15. Responsibilities included meeting with other ITS to plan for a Digital Safety student logo contest and video contest, and prepare a video that looped continuously at the event that highlighted district beliefs, student desires, and examples of engaged learning.
TPRI for 46+ teachers was a bit time consuming! Over ½ of my K-2 teachers required a visit from me before they were able to successfully sync their Palms to begin testing for the first round.
Since the beginning of the school year I have met with Patsy Stanley on several occasions to continue her efforts in providing a podcast series for teachers who service special needs students. In addition, I provided a 2-hour after school training, from 4-6 on October 19 for a group of teachers using flip video cameras and Movie Maker.
I participated in the development of the new CCI alternative for teachers who must complete this requirement before February 2010.
Picture and video assignments that required travel to various campuses within the district have included photographing network and wiring structures (for Julie), recording segments of best practices in the elementary computer labs, and photographing examples of engaged learning,
Professional Learning opportunities for me thus far for the 2009-10 school year include: Dr. James Popham, Schoolwires, Mobile Devices in Instruction (webinar), TENOR meetings, and DL Conference at ESC. Opportunities on the horizon that will include learning, presenting, and volunteering are Areas 10/11 TCEA Conference and ASCD Conference this weekend.
In addition to all of the previously mentioned little projects that have kept me juggling my time to meet the demands of all, there is daily support I provide either face-to-face or via email to my 4 elementary campuses. I’ve had teachers doing video projects, Photo Story project, Audacity projects, and more. Here are a couple of links to projects that are uploaded to websites, others are on teacher computers and networks.
Well, there is yet another deadline just moments away so while there is still so much more I could recap here, I must stop, and move on.
