Winter Quarterly Update – 3rd Quarter
Posted by psteffen on February 2, 2007
Give an update from your site about what you have done this spring 2007 - Share how you doing the following at your site:
- Building Capacity
- Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
- Differentiating
- Evaluating Effectiveness
Joanna Myhr-Arrison & Lourdes Oros said
Give an update from your site about what you have done this fall 2006 – Share how you doing the following at your site:
Building Capacity
At Nash, we are continuing with our four session UnitedStreaming Mini-Grant series. We have ten registered and have continued to have good attendance and active participation.
We’ve individually coached teachers on EasyGrade Pro, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
We presented to the staff a PowerPoint presentation about the Fifth Grade Technology exam. We explained the areas being tested, showed screen shots of various questions from each area and, anonymously, the results of the one fifth grade class that took part in the pilot test this year.
We discussed what can be done to improve our school results.
Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
As teachers get new technology, we work with them on ideas of how to incorporate the technology into their teaching.
In personal conversations with teachers, we throw out ideas about how lessons they’re teaching can be enhanced with technology (personal coaching).
We e-mail ideas and good sites for teachers to use.
We will be having “Tech Moments” at staff meetings to give the teachers “snacks” of ideas.
Differentiating
For students, we shared with teachers how reading and Saxon Math sites can help them differentiate their instruction.
We have privately, but not in an organized fashion, differentiated our instruction to teachers.
Evaluating Effectiveness
In our UnitedStreaming class, we evaluate through teacher’s participation and sharing of ideas.
Generally, for the rest of the staff we haven’t done a whole lot of evaluating. We’d like to hear more about this from other schools.
Mitch Miller said
We have devoted two of our staff development days to technology -specifically Asset and internet resources. All of our staff attended including students from the U of A UCATS program and student teachers. This was very beneficial for them as they stated this is not covered at all in their classes.
Our first inservice was devoted to an overview of ASSET as most of our staff thought it was only United Streaming.
Our second inservice was an online class conduted by Dan from united Streaming on building folders, lesson plans, assignments, etc.
Both inservices were well received with teachers leaving to explore the resources further in their classrooms.
The one difficulty was in getting teachers to expound on how this ties into 21st century skills.I felt that they had a basic understanding but it was not a topic they wanted to discuss at the time. They were more concerned with exploring the resources.
Differentiation was a major theme of discussion after the second inservice. Many teachers offered suggestions of how this was useful in this regard.
Assessment does remain difficult. A blog has been set up for Walker teachers to comment in but you can imagine that if tech coaches don’t always respond, classroom teachers won’t either. Observations and discussions indicate many teachers are using the resources and incorporating them into their teaching.
Robert Walling said
Building Capacity
We have begun a process of identifying teachers from all grade levels who have a SMARTBoard in their classroom, who has taken classes, and who has created activites for thier classroom uses. We are asking them to act as SMARTBoard Master teachers so that when grade level members have a question, they can go to that person first, and try to get help from a teammate. The administration and I have set up a “training required” policy in order to be placed on the consideration list for having SMARt products added to their class. Because of this, many teachers have attended training through the tech department and many more are going to attend trainings here on site.
Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
With the SMARTBoard being a 21st tool, we are focusing on the proper uses of the SMARTBoard first and foremost. Teachers need to know how to use the tools before they can be expected to incorporate the 21st century learning skills. The next quarter will focus on the creation of lessons and activites that incorporate this skills and the SMARTBoard itself. This is still an area in which we can grow as many teachers still do not have a strong sense of what the 21st century standards are.
Differentiating
In order to differentiate, we are offering tiered classes. Beginning level classes are offered by me for those teachers who need additional support. The Master Teachers that have been identified will be beginning to process of creating lessons for their grade levels to utilize. We will host these on the server in their grade level share files so that all teachers have access to each of the lessons for their grade level.
Evaluating Effectiveness
This has been a hard part of this. We have not done any sort of evaluation other than just informal emails to staff. the overall effectiveness will come from how large our collection of lessons becomes over the next semester. I look forawrd to hearing other coaches and seeing how they are conducting the evaluations.
mwarrick said
United Streaming at Coronado:
Building Capacity:
At Coronado, Liesl and I are continuing to offer United Streaming (US) workshops in our library lab. As teachers gain understanding and confidence, they can in turn help their colleagues. Our group is diverse and numerous, we have teachers from primary to 8th grade teaching anything from special ed to phys. ed. Once our school is hooked up with at least projectors in every room. We’ll see US being utilized to its max. Hopefully not overused and abused.
Incoporating 21st Century Skills:
Once our US collaborative finishes that assignment, we’ll be better able to share how US can be fulfill that obligation of our faculty. For right now, many teachers are doing a bang-up job of incorporating 21st century skills and don’t even know it!
Differentiating:
At our first US group Liesl and I offered at Coronado, we had the teachers split into two groups. Those who were first time users and those who just needed time to search and add videos to their “My Content”. Unfortunately, the connection was so slow, we had to punt and Liesl demonstrated how to search and add video to “My Content.
Evaluating Effectiveness:
At our last meeting, teachers shared success and frustrations with using US. Many of our staff are really effectively utilizing US. Go Cougars!
Cindy Rolewski said
Building Capacity
We have had sessions on UnitedStreaming with two levels of instruction. For the new users we had an overview with a change to add content. For the more advanced users we did a session on lesson building,etc. We have two followup sessions planned.
Several sessions have already been held for Curriculum Mapping and 4 more are planned. We try to provide support (and instruction as needed) for this with everyone together in the lab. We have found it works best if we are working on our maps collaboratively both from a collegial standpoint and from a productivity standpoint.
All of our math classrooms will have SMART boards soon and our math department has been tremendous in providing support to each other and to the rest of the school. Two of our math teachers are using the record feature to create 30-second tutorials.
All teachers have access to the lab SMART boards so everyone is eager to learn more. We are loading the SMART software on all machines in the labs so the students can have access to the tools as well.
We have two Tech Choice trainings planned where teachers will be able to pick a topic for training rather than sit through a workshop they don’t need–sort of like a mini-conference.
Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
We are still working on making sure everyone understands what 21st Century skills and tools are as well as the importance of them…with our population many of our staff feel we must first get students reading, writing, and doing math at grade level.
Differentiating
I will do this in a list form:
SMARTBoard use in all math classrooms.
My Reading Coach software for lower quartile reading students (we are part of a UA study so we were able to get this software for free)
Use of US in all classes, but especially in SEI and inclusion sped/sei classes.
Lots of use of interactive websites and simulations.
Evaluating Effectiveness
Well, we did not fare too well on our TLA (Technology Literacy Assessment) taken by 60 of our 8th graders, so that is helping guide us to change our curriculum! We will soon be able to see the results of our ITPS as well.
Barbara Robeson said
On January 24th our staff participated in an United Streaming Webinar Sarah Goehring
Account Representative – Implementation Specialist from Discovery Education. The download did not come off as planned. However, Sara led the group through a variety of tasks & tools via the speaker phone. I staff learned new skills & about new tools to use. I’m sure that at some point we will schedule an advance Webinar & learn more advanced skills related to our staff’s experiences when using the United Streaming site.
• Teachers are utilizing the United Streaming site with greater frequency
• Teachers are continuing to update their websites & investigating new ways to share (adding video, etc.)
• The monthly Splash newsletter are now on-line
Liesl Scheffel said
Building Capacity
Michael and I have been trying to build capacity by training more teachers in unitedstreaming. We have about 20 teachers who are actively involved in our classes, so our hope is that as these teachers use unitedstreaming and get excited about it, the enthusiasm will spread. As far as building capacity in other ways, teachers still seek out one of us or our tech specialist when they have problems, and not each other, at least to a large extent. We are still struggling with how to have teachers check with each other and help each other.
Incorporating 21st Century Learning Skills and Tools
I would like to do more with having the teachers collaborate with one another, but I just haven’t figured out a way to do it effectively. I think I am afraid of asking them to do “one more thing.” If anybody has any good ideas how to teach the teachers how to use these skills effectively, I’d love to hear about it!
Differentiating
We are still struggling with differentiating our unitedstreaming inservices. When we work individually with teachers, the instruction is personalized, so that helps, but we just can have more than two or three people using unitedstreaming at a time, so trying to break our one large group into smaller groups might not even been feasible at this point. I would really like to be able to do more differentiation, and Michael and I continue to discuss ways to make it possible.
Evaluating Effectiveness
This is another area that needs work. In my capacity as an instructional coach, I am able to visit teacher rooms more readily and see the teachers in action. However, I’d like to see more. Our teachers self-report that they are using unitedstreaming quite a bit and they have changed some of their lessons to incorporate what we have taught them. This is an encouraging sign.
ASSET Group said
Building Capacity -
1. SmartBoard inservice
2. Sending e-mail reminders of SMARTBoard classes.
3. Met w/ individual teachers for support using technology.
4. E-mail links to useful SMARTBoard sites.
Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools -
1. Teachers using SMARTBoards daily, increasing the incorporation of the SMARTBoards into curriculum.
2. Students use SMARTBoards within the context of daily learning.
3. Using UnitedStreaming videos to enhance student learning and to increase their curiosity.
4. Teachers using ASSET to locate and share resources.
Differentiating -
We are still working on this area & will brainstorm ides at future meetings.
Evaluating Effectiveness -
1. Communicating success & challenges verbally.
2. Awaiting the 5W forms.
3. Will address at next group meetings.
Katie Collins said
Building Capacity
I have been meeting with grade levels on checking up with them and encouraging them to integrate Microsoft Office programs with 21st Century Skills on their daily lessons.
Incorporating 21st Century Learning Skills and Tools
Since Peggy came to demonstrate the Smart board many of the teachers can’t wait to get their hands on one. Until then I am helping them to come up with ideas of how to use the tech tools we have now. Due to time, I mainly ask the teacher strongest in tech skills to encourage their teammates and to offer ideas of how they incorporate 21st Century Learning Skills.
Differentiating
Because so many are using United Streaming at various, I gave each grade level the idea of having one folder with all of the videos and then at the end of the year make a cd of all the videos and make copies for everyone in that grade level to use in the future. I also encouraged those not as comfortable with United Streaming to hook up with one that is either in their grade level or not.
Evaluating Effectiveness
I am happy to see that some of the teachers have taken the advantage of the computer lab for their teaching. I have been able to watch and observe as I remain at my seat doing my own thing. I brief with them sometime before the end of the day and most conclude that it went pretty well. I’m in the process of seeing how I can get more teachers to do the same. It seems like the same ones each time.
lcelaya said
Cross 2nd Quarter Update
Building capacity
Certified staff: 50
Students: 952
Computers available:
1 PC in each teacher’s room
9 PCS in the library
29 PCS in Portable 6
28 PCS in Lab 203
32 PCS in Lab 507
30 MACS and 3 PC’s in technology lab (504)
Incorporating 21st Century learning skills and tools
Cross is currently working on developing Power Standards in reading and in the core subjects for our school. We have chosen to incorporate the skills necessary to show adequate scores on the 8th grade technology test by creating technology Power Standards that will entwine and work in tandem with the state standards for core subjects. Work on writing technology Power Standards should begin sometime in the third quarter.
Our school technology focus this year is getting all teachers to maintain their web sites and regularly update them every two weeks with homework calendars and grades. There have been no technology inservice times other than informal tutoring with myself and other staff members after school or during my planning period who need help with web pages, Easy Grade Pro, etc. and the basic ones given at the beginning of the year to new teachers.
I am working on creating green screen videos and animated text special effects with my video technology class. They have been doing a great job and we are adding more areas of creation as equipment is purchased. I have been able to get funds for five more camcorders, three PC’s and software programs.
Differentiating
A class will be offered to each core department. It will focus primarily in helping the teacher obtain an understanding of the skills in a selected Office program and assist the members of the department find ways to spiral the program effectively through sixth to eighth grade in their core subject.
Evaluating Effectiveness
At this time, evaluation of the new goal would be the current 8th grade Technology Literacy Assessment test.
Betsy Wilkening said
Wilson Middle School Winter Update
Building Capacity
The SMARTBoards for the computer labs arrived in October and as of 3/16/07, they are still sitting in boxes waiting to be installed. Betsy Wilkening hung her SMARTBoard and is able to use it, even though the projector is still sitting on a cart in the middle of the room. Work has started on hanging the projectors and it is hoped to be completed soon for all three boards.
A 5th grade teacher at Wilson was designated as the 21st Century learning room for our school. She will be receiving the 5th board at Wilson.
The middle school REACH teacher was able to purchase a board and is awaiting installation. In the meantime she is utilizing her projector and SMART Notebook software to its fullest.
Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
Jan Horetski and Betsy Wilkening focused on podcasting in all-day tech meetings and Jan has done some great podcasts with her 2nd graders. Betsy tried it out with her middle schoolers and only was able to post one podcast at this time. Anne Held, middle school REACH teacher, has done podcasts with her 7th and 8th grade humanities students. They can download them at home and use them to study for exams.
Differentiating
In an effort to get more teachers excited about the SMART technology, Scott Marshall, computer tech, has been installing SMART Notebook on teacher’s computers. Several are using it, and others are still uncertain.
A 7th grade language arts and math teacher were able to utilize the SMARTBoard in Betsy Wilkening’s lab while she and her students were in the computer lab for several days. They are excited about using it, and I’ll do my best to open up that opportunity as often as I can. One of the 8th grade social studies teachers has some awesome interactive study tools that he created for his students that would be great on the SMARTBoard.
In the meantime the teachers have requested a hands-on training when the SMARTBoard is installed in the computer lab.
Evaluating Effectiveness
The excitement about SMARTBoards and podcasting is building at the school. Availability is another big issue and the middle school computer lab is tied up for MAP testing during a great deal of the 4th quarter.
crobson said
IRHS
1. Building Capacity
We are currently identifying which teachers/departments have Smartboards and/or projectors in their classroom. I was the recipient of the grant SmartBoard at our school and I have been using it in every lesson, every day. I am still learning the ins and outs of the SmartBoard – but I hope to offer some classes to teachers next year, and as always I am willing to offer private help to the people who currently have one (so far I believe I have heard there is 1 other at the school).
Our early outs have not been set aside for technology other than one day that was allocated for further (mandatory)curriculum mapping training for all staff. Jami and I gave this training. It would have been more successful had we had an updated version of Java on all of the computers at the lab, and had several of the computers not had viruses on them that filled their hard drives. I ended up staying in the lab with my group, but Jami sent her group back to their classrooms to work on CM individually. Kenny assures me that this will not be an issue the next time we offer CM classes.
2. Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
The tech collaborative at IRHS has been asked to focus on standards, rather than a 21st century topic such as United Streaming, Podcasting etc. We have gotten data back from much of the staff, though there are still a lot of non-responders. We have been going through what data we have and going back to the departments for additional information. Our next task is to really analyze the data we have. After analysis we are to decide what departments are responsible for teaching which standards. This is a daunting task to say the least. We hope to meet again Thursday the 12th of April before school.
3. Differentiating
As our focus is a bit different than the 21st century tools that other schools are doing differentiation is a bit different as well. Since we are being asked to make some very large decisions for the school, we have gone back to the departments with the survey a second time to really make sure that the answers they have given are accurate (to coax non-responders to give feedback as well). Additionally, we are trying to get representation from 2-3 departments who have still not sent a rep to the collaborative.
I am still giving in-services on curriculum mapper & web design. I give complete differentiation there as the teachers are all on different levels. We usually find one common starting point and then I move individually among the teachers. For the optional in-services I have only had a couple attendees. I have found giving private lessons when needed by the teacher, much more beneficial to the teachers (though quite demanding on my time – but that is okay J )
I will be giving an additional in-service on PowerPoint, by request. While I use PowerPoint in every unit I teach, if anyone has any advice on the best way to teach it to new users it would be much appreciated.
4. Evaluating Effectiveness
Our next meeting with allow me to better evaluate how far we are getting with the evaluation of standards use. Thus far, as I mentioned earlier, the lack of responders is making it difficult. Hopefully I will have more positive things to say on my next report!
Katie said
We are continuing with our Curriculum Mapper during our early outs. The two instructors have left us advanced people to work on ours individually. They do sit in the computer lab and help the computer challenged work on their maps. We did have an all staff meeting about the reports that you can pull of C.M.
I held my first training for the SmartBoard! The teachers are very excited! I wheeled the SmartBoard in from the Computer Lab so they could see how easy it is to wheel around. Since then my SmartBoard is up and running. I have teachers and well as kids just come in and observe my lessons on the SmartBoard. I use it everyday. Everyone sees that, and wants one of their own. The FTO is looking into buying a second one from the 21st Century classroom funds.
More and more teachers are using United Streaming! More teachers are using their 40 minutes a week in the lab in a more useful manor.
Monica Schott & Irene Barrantes said
Winter update:
Building Capacity
We have identified teachers from all grade levels who have taken classes or feel comfortable in Microsoft and can create activities for their students from those who are beginners and need more tutoring. We have given 2 in-services accordingly: Beginning PowerPoint and PowerPoint Refresh with ideas.
Incorporating 21st century learning skills and tools
We have encouraged teachers to present real life situations to the students and create responses using the 21st century learning skills and tools. Through the feeder pattern, we continuously pass on ideas to sparkle the interest of teachers.
Differentiating
Because of the differences in levels of Microsoft knowledge, we have tried to make a network of supporters using our staff. Therefore, each grade level can help each other to find appropriate Microsoft lessons especially using PowerPoint.
Evaluating Effectiveness
We have shared Microsoft suggestions at staff meetings and at our grade level meetings from the feeder representatives.
Mary Damiani said
Building Capacity
We have not been able to follow up on the United Streaming group because of Migration. Migration went well thanks to Liz Becker and the technology staff. We only had a few people that had problems with losing data. However; most of it was able to be recovered.
Incorporating 21st Century Learning Skills and Tools
Several of the teachers in our United Streaming group have shared how they are using it in their classrooms to engage students.
Differentiating
Most differentiation has been done this quarter on an individual basis due to migration. Liz and I were able to meet most of the needs of the staff with e-mailed directions after the meeting that the technology staff had with our staff prior to migration.
Evaluating Effectiveness
Very few problems with migration.
noble23 said
Canyon Del Oro High School
I have met with the teachers that have smartboards in their classrooms. We have decided to have individual teachers with smartboards meet with the teachers in their departments to discuss how smartboards can be used in their classes (i.e. Math teachers are going to use smartboards differently than English teachers.) Provided that teachers wanting smartboards have had the basic training, something my principal and I have agreed should be a requirement, we can then have small smartboard trainings (by department) addressing their wants and needs.
As Tech coach, I now sit on a committee that helps to decide who gets technology at our school. This is based on need, training, how much the technology will get used and of course cost. I beieve we will be getting at least 7 new smartboards next year.
More and more teachers are calling me interested in using digital video and digital photography. The ways in which they wish to use these mediums are different for each, but a future training on camera use and picture/video editing is definately a must.
Curriculum Mapper ( I attended a follow-up conference given by Dr. Susan Udelhofen on curriculum mapping. My principal, two teachers and I are taking on the task of educating the staff about Curriculum Mapper and helping them to create Master Maps. Unfortunately there is a lot of misconceptions and ideas about how this should be done, so I have a lot of questions to answer.) My principal has given me administrative rights within the cirriculum mapping program to better help teachers make their master maps.
There isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not answering questions on the phone or by email, emailing tutorials and/or visiting teachers’classrooms to help with issues they are having, but I think all in all, evrything is good on the C.D.O. campus.
Lee Street