Comments for Saturation, Incubation, Illumination http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran Brilliant Ideas for Learning Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:38:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.3-2.2.1 Comment on Technology as common as Crayons and Scissors! by barb http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/03/31/technology-as-common-as-crayons-and-scissors/#comment-76 barb Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:23:09 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/03/31/technology-as-common-as-crayons-and-scissors/#comment-76 How cool was that to see...ActivExpressions in the same toolbox as crayons and scissors. Now that is a 21st Century school and tech. teacher, way to go Callee Ernest. How cool was that to see…ActivExpressions in the same toolbox as crayons and scissors. Now that is a 21st Century school and tech. teacher, way to go Callee Ernest.

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by Heather Woodward http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-61 Heather Woodward Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:17:00 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-61 Wow! It is so great to have a monitoring tool that can be either localized to my computer or online. It does make me realize that we are underutilizing a lot of our technology or possibly just not using it to its fullest extent possible. Having an observational protocol sheet also ensures that my look-for's in classrooms are purposeful and concise. As I roved our school for our current use of technology I noticed that many students were engaged in the use of the technology, whether it is the use of a laptop to type a paper, the use of a visualizer that is hooked up to a computer that is displaying a video from United Streaming, or students checking out a website through OnePlace. What I also realized through my observations is that the use of an observation protocol attached to a continuum of learning can support teachers in developing their next steps that are aligned with the curriculum and standards. Wow! It is so great to have a monitoring tool that can be either localized to my computer or online. It does make me realize that we are underutilizing a lot of our technology or possibly just not using it to its fullest extent possible. Having an observational protocol sheet also ensures that my look-for’s in classrooms are purposeful and concise. As I roved our school for our current use of technology I noticed that many students were engaged in the use of the technology, whether it is the use of a laptop to type a paper, the use of a visualizer that is hooked up to a computer that is displaying a video from United Streaming, or students checking out a website through OnePlace. What I also realized through my observations is that the use of an observation protocol attached to a continuum of learning can support teachers in developing their next steps that are aligned with the curriculum and standards.

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by Efren Ortiz http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-60 Efren Ortiz Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:45:26 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-60 I agree with Barb, this Classroom Observation Tool is a good guide for teachers and administrators. This is a good tool to have where teachers can re-arrange their lesson plans and make the lesson more interactive for the students. With our 21st century learners, technology is a crucial tool to engage the students more, which in turn will raise student achievement. We are living in a new era and technology impacts instruction and the classroom in many ways. We have to find more creative ways to engage these learners since most tend to get bored real easy. As a technology facilitator some years ago, I found that it is not what tools you use but how you use them. One of my first lessons was to show the students the parts of the computer and get them familiar with the terms. I tried to show them a picture and projected it on the screen with my LCD projector. I saw some of the students were engaged but others were not and I changed that lesson and found a 3-D video of the hardware and how it worked, mixed that with some excerpt clips from Magic School Bus when they explore the inside of the computer and all the kids were engaged and asking many questions. I think this Classroom Observation Tool will help determine what is working and what is not. I agree with Barb, this Classroom Observation Tool is a good guide for teachers and administrators. This is a good tool to have where teachers can re-arrange their lesson plans and make the lesson more interactive for the students. With our 21st century learners, technology is a crucial tool to engage the students more, which in turn will raise student achievement. We are living in a new era and technology impacts instruction and the classroom in many ways. We have to find more creative ways to engage these learners since most tend to get bored real easy. As a technology facilitator some years ago, I found that it is not what tools you use but how you use them. One of my first lessons was to show the students the parts of the computer and get them familiar with the terms. I tried to show them a picture and projected it on the screen with my LCD projector. I saw some of the students were engaged but others were not and I changed that lesson and found a 3-D video of the hardware and how it worked, mixed that with some excerpt clips from Magic School Bus when they explore the inside of the computer and all the kids were engaged and asking many questions. I think this Classroom Observation Tool will help determine what is working and what is not.

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by barb http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-59 barb Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:46:41 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-59 I really like this Classroom Observation Tool. At least at first it would give administrators a guide as to what to expect to see in a 21st Century classroom. It reminds admin. to observe whether the teacher is mostly lecturing or doing more interactive activities with students. What are the activities being done in the classrooom? Are they really interactive or is it something that was done 10 or even 20 years ago (ie. cutting and using scissors rather than cutting and pasting on a computer). I really like the question "How essential was technology to the teaching and learning activities?" Not every lesson/activity will be tech. based, but a good place assess the classroom environment. And then holding the teacher accountable is instrumental. What technologies did the student and the teacher use and what standards did the teacher meet? Again, I think it is a good form to start with and then once an admin. knows what to expect, they can modify the form to really fit their needs and teacher expectations. I really like this Classroom Observation Tool. At least at first it would give administrators a guide as to what to expect to see in a 21st Century classroom. It reminds admin. to observe whether the teacher is mostly lecturing or doing more interactive activities with students. What are the activities being done in the classrooom? Are they really interactive or is it something that was done 10 or even 20 years ago (ie. cutting and using scissors rather than cutting and pasting on a computer). I really like the question “How essential was technology to the teaching and learning activities?” Not every lesson/activity will be tech. based, but a good place assess the classroom environment. And then holding the teacher accountable is instrumental. What technologies did the student and the teacher use and what standards did the teacher meet? Again, I think it is a good form to start with and then once an admin. knows what to expect, they can modify the form to really fit their needs and teacher expectations.

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by Becky McDermott http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-54 Becky McDermott Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:56:58 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-54 I am the School to Work Program Coordinator. I work with students either individually or in a small group. This activity has reminded me that technology does support learning. I find that I tend to limit my technology use to either pen/paper, PowerPoint presentations, training DVD’s and Internet use. I believe that if I implement more technology into my program I can reach more students. All of my students have a mild to moderate disability. Therefore I often find it difficult to teach due to different learning styles and types of disabilities. There are times that I will speak to them, but they aren’t responsive. Then I have them view a training DVD or use the Internet and I get a different response even though it is the same information being provided. We are a society that uses technology on a daily basis, so why not have it an essential part of our classroom or Job Club. Many of our students will also need to use technology in the workforce; therefore, we need to expose them to as much technology as possible. From a researcher standpoint I would like to observe how technology use relates to getting a job and maintaining employment. I believe the forms provided through Classroom Observation Tool can be used/modified to conduct this research. My goal is to increase engagement of student learning by using more technology in my Job Club. I am the School to Work Program Coordinator. I work with students either individually or in a small group. This activity has reminded me that technology does support learning. I find that I tend to limit my technology use to either pen/paper, PowerPoint presentations, training DVD’s and Internet use. I believe that if I implement more technology into my program I can reach more students. All of my students have a mild to moderate disability. Therefore I often find it difficult to teach due to different learning styles and types of disabilities. There are times that I will speak to them, but they aren’t responsive. Then I have them view a training DVD or use the Internet and I get a different response even though it is the same information being provided. We are a society that uses technology on a daily basis, so why not have it an essential part of our classroom or Job Club. Many of our students will also need to use technology in the workforce; therefore, we need to expose them to as much technology as possible. From a researcher standpoint I would like to observe how technology use relates to getting a job and maintaining employment. I believe the forms provided through Classroom Observation Tool can be used/modified to conduct this research. My goal is to increase engagement of student learning by using more technology in my Job Club.

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by Dana McDonald http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-53 Dana McDonald Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:28:25 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-53 Monitoring the use of technology has to be integrated into our new teacher evaluation tool. Is anyone keeping that in mind who is on the committee? I particularly like the checklist addressing the NETS standards and the three-minute chart. I found that my teachers were using the smartboard for whole group instruction only and not for small group or independent learning. If we only use 15-20 min out of an hour for whole group instruction, how much time is the smartboard being used. What would it look like for small group instruction? The technology list also reminded me of all the tools that can be used by teachers and by students we currently have access to and we are not using. I'm still having trouble with teachers comfortably using the G: drive to share data and to effectively email documents. Lots of work to do! Monitoring the use of technology has to be integrated into our new teacher evaluation tool. Is anyone keeping that in mind who is on the committee? I particularly like the checklist addressing the NETS standards and the three-minute chart. I found that my teachers were using the smartboard for whole group instruction only and not for small group or independent learning. If we only use 15-20 min out of an hour for whole group instruction, how much time is the smartboard being used. What would it look like for small group instruction?
The technology list also reminded me of all the tools that can be used by teachers and by students we currently have access to and we are not using. I’m still having trouble with teachers comfortably using the G: drive to share data and to effectively email documents. Lots of work to do!

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by Stephanie Jarman Nelson http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-52 Stephanie Jarman Nelson Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:34:06 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-52 I have had an opportunity to see a variety of buildings and content classrooms since August, many with technology in place (audio stations, visualizers, interactive white boards (sometimes two!), laptops for every student, clickers, teacher laptops to project United Streaming Videos, teachers using Power Points, Flip video cameras, etc.) and some without anything more than an overhead projector. While I am a true believer in the simple power of paper, pencils, and a variety of print materials (at their purest level) as tools for learning, I would advocate for more cool gadgets in every classroom in this district, especially at the secondary level. Teacher demonstrations, sharing effective pedagogy, progress monitoring, and student learning are always streamlined or enhanced with the support of technology. Schools are often the only place APS students have access to 21st century learning materials. I have had an opportunity to see a variety of buildings and content classrooms since August, many with technology in place (audio stations, visualizers, interactive white boards (sometimes two!), laptops for every student, clickers, teacher laptops to project United Streaming Videos, teachers using Power Points, Flip video cameras, etc.) and some without anything more than an overhead projector. While I am a true believer in the simple power of paper, pencils, and a variety of print materials (at their purest level) as tools for learning, I would advocate for more cool gadgets in every classroom in this district, especially at the secondary level. Teacher demonstrations, sharing effective pedagogy, progress monitoring, and student learning are always streamlined or enhanced with the support of technology. Schools are often the only place APS students have access to 21st century learning materials.

]]> Comment on January Tech Bucks - Monitoring Technology by Fred Quinonez http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-51 Fred Quinonez Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:18:50 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2009/01/16/january-tech-bucks-monitoring-technology/#comment-51 I continue to find myself technologically challenged. This tech monitoring is good "stuff". I am realizing how little we are actually doing in our building. We are definitley in the implementation stages in many classrooms. The possibilities are limitless. With our population Technology is definitly the tool to raise the level of engagement needed to raise student achievement The monitoring tool is definitely something that can raise awareness for teachers as to the skill level of of individuals as well as depth of understanding as to how technology will/can impact instruction. I continue to find myself technologically challenged. This tech monitoring is good “stuff”. I am realizing how little we are actually doing in our building. We are definitley in the implementation stages in many classrooms. The possibilities are limitless. With our population Technology is definitly the tool to raise the level of engagement needed to raise student achievement
The monitoring tool is definitely something that can raise awareness for teachers as to the skill level of of individuals as well as depth of understanding as to how technology will/can impact instruction.

]]> Comment on Monitoring Technology at Your School Site by Luzelena http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2008/12/04/monitoring-technology-at-your-school-site/#comment-50 Luzelena Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:01:42 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2008/12/04/monitoring-technology-at-your-school-site/#comment-50 It is always exciting to see new ideas at work with the use of technolgoy. As a district interpreter and translator for Exceptional Student Services I see the use of technology as a powerful tool to assist non-English speaking parents and students. For instance, if a parent is not present in an IEP meeting because a child got sick or any other reason, the IEP could still be conducted using a Flip video recorder with the interpreter interpreting the meeting. The video could then be sent to the parent along with the written copy of the IEP. This could even be done if a family member is present during the IEP because the videotape could be later shared with other members of the family. Also, as parents review the IEP video, they could ask clarification on areas that were not clear during the meeting. Technology could also be used during evaluations. For instance, Speech Pathologists could video record the evaluation of students in their own language and then discuss with the interpreter language issues, body language, and possible misunderstandings of the language. These sessions could be used later as training tools to guide the evaluation of non-English speaking students with interpreter’s assistance. Both therapists and interpreters could work together to clarify and set specific testing expectations. It is always exciting to see new ideas at work with the use of technolgoy.

As a district interpreter and translator for Exceptional Student Services I see the use of technology as a powerful tool to assist non-English speaking parents and students. For instance, if a parent is not present in an IEP meeting because a child got sick or any other reason, the IEP could still be conducted using a Flip video recorder with the interpreter interpreting the meeting. The video could then be sent to the parent along with the written copy of the IEP. This could even be done if a family member is present during the IEP because the videotape could be later shared with other members of the family. Also, as parents review the IEP video, they could ask clarification on areas that were not clear during the meeting.

Technology could also be used during evaluations. For instance, Speech Pathologists could video record the evaluation of students in their own language and then discuss with the interpreter language issues, body language, and possible misunderstandings of the language. These sessions could be used later as training tools to guide the evaluation of non-English speaking students with interpreter’s assistance. Both therapists and interpreters could work together to clarify and set specific testing expectations.

]]> Comment on Monitoring Technology at Your School Site by Shatana http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2008/12/04/monitoring-technology-at-your-school-site/#comment-49 Shatana Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:37:44 +0000 http://apscms.net/staffpages/ijduran/2008/12/04/monitoring-technology-at-your-school-site/#comment-49 It is extremely exciting to see where we are headed within the realm of education technology. Reflecting on the many ways that technology has enhanced and impacted student learning is amazing. Our students live and breathe technology and their minds are moving faster and processing things faster than ever before. It is good to see that as a district we are attentive to what are students need to be successful and that we are providing PD resources to successfully implement technology in the classroom. Thank you DoIT for the training! It is extremely exciting to see where we are headed within the realm of education technology. Reflecting on the many ways that technology has enhanced and impacted student learning is amazing. Our students live and breathe technology and their minds are moving faster and processing things faster than ever before. It is good to see that as a district we are attentive to what are students need to be successful and that we are providing PD resources to successfully implement technology in the classroom.
Thank you DoIT for the training!

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