Ramblings of a Technology Coordinator

Time for Another Google Teacher Academy

2011-05-16T08:22:00.002-06:00

Google is hosting a Google Teacher Academy on July 28 in Seattle, Washington.

Applications are now being accepted for the Google Teacher Academy to be held on July 28 in Seattle, Washington. 50 applicants will be selected. To apply you will need to complete the form found here and submit an original 60 second video about "motivation and learning" or "classroom innovation." Good luck!

Why Use Twitter?

2011-04-06T21:17:00.001-06:00

Another Great Ted Talk

2011-04-03T19:40:00.002-06:00

Reading Level Available in Google Search

2011-02-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Google Advanced Search now allows you to view reading level information in your search results.

7 Things You Don't Need to Know About Me

2011-01-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

I won a gold and two silver medals in dressage at the American Morgan Horse Association World Championships.
I went to 13 different elementary schools prior to sixth grade.
I love theatre and occasionally will fly into New York City and attend as many Broadway shows as I can squeeze in the time I'm there.
One of my high school prom pictures is taken in front of the dog food at Hill's Country Market.
Sign language is my second language.
I love going to the movies and generally see one at least every other week.
I got my masters in technology because they waived the GRE for the program.

Google's Global Science Fair

2011-01-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm no science teacher but if I was I wouldn't pass up this opportunity to participate. Any one that meets the requirements can participate. Find out more here.

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Technology

2011-01-05T08:43:00.004-07:00

Enjoyed this article from the NY Times. Read it for more details but I think this provides a great place to start with your technology in the new year.

1. Get a smartphone

2. Stop using internet explorer

3. Upload your photos to the cloud

4. Get music off your computer

5. Back up your data

6. Set up a free file-sharing service

7. Get free antivirus software

8. Get a better deal from your cable, phone and internet provider

9. Buy a lot of charging cables

10. Calibrate your hdtv

Another Great Ted Talk

2011-01-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Great case for incorporating a curriculum and teaching practices that address ALL our students.

STEM Careers Pay Off

2010-12-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Based on article from EducationTechNews students who focus on STEM in high school and major in one or more of those areas in college are the most highly paid professionals, on average.

According to Payscale.com, the top nine best undergraduate degrees by salary are:

1. Petroleum engineering

2. Aerospace engineering

3. Chemical engineering

4. Electrical engineering

5. Nuclear engineering

6. Applied mathematics

7. Biomedical engineering

8. Physics

9. Computer engineering

Another Google Teacher Academy

2010-12-04T15:22:00.002-07:00

Applications now open for the Google Teacher Academy
Sydney, Australia on March 10, 2011. Apply by 11:59 PST on January 27, 2011.

The Google Teacher Academy is a FREE professional development experience designed to help primary and secondary educators from around the globe get the most from innovative technologies. Each Academy is an intensive, one-day event where participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, receive resources to share with colleagues, and immerse themselves in an innovative corporate environment. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other primary and secondary educators in their local region.

Really Interesting Article

2010-11-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Educators need to read this.

Congratulations!

2010-11-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

Cherokee Trail HS technology teachers Paul Clinton and Ben Nuebel received the prestigious Program Excellence Award from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. Thanks for all you offer CTHS students.

Do You Agree?

2010-11-16T18:34:00.002-07:00

Tech or Treat

2010-10-19T14:44:00.001-06:00

Discovery is once again holding their fall virtual conference on October 23rd. Attend online and learn something new. Sign up here.

Google Certified Trainer

2010-09-18T17:11:00.000-06:00

So I started the process of becoming a Google Certified Trainer. So far I have taken six exams, created a video and begun to fill out the application. I'm an avid Google fan so it only seemed logical to apply. I'm eager to see if I am accepted and will once again be honored if I am.

If any of you are interested in becoming a Google Apps Certified Trainer, you can find out more information here.

A New School Year

2010-08-28T17:11:00.009-06:00

Well, an new school year has begun and as expected it has been crazy. There are a number of initiatives in our district that are all occurring at once and a number of them specifically tie to technology. My rock star staff has been busy at work creating images and getting the computers ready to go for the teachers, staff and students.

Life in the technology department here has involved....

upgrading all machines to Office 2010
the mounting of all projectors in the classroom
an upgrade of the wireless system to include access for students
a movement of all telephones to voice over ip
an attempt to upgrade to Windows 7 (have had to back track to Windows XP due to issues we can't resolve in a timely manner)
the setting up of a print server
the reorganization of our department so we can be more productive individually and as a team
re-imaging 1100 machines so they are ready for the new school year
and more..

Move Over Blackboard

2010-05-05T14:15:00.002-06:00

Experience China

2010-03-24T18:32:00.000-06:00

There are many things that connect students to school...clubs, sports, teachers, friends. This year I've sponsored National Honor Society and I'm sponsoring a trip to China for students. International travel can be life changing. I never had the opportunity until I was in my 30's and because I could make it happen for some students, I had to forge ahead.

Tomorrow we leave on a twelve day journey through China. I have ten students going with me and I just know it will be a blast. If we get internet, we hope to blog our journey and we hope you will follow.

http://cthstravels.blogspot.com

Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-14T22:59:00.000-06:00

I just signed up to support the Earth Hour 2010 campaign and I'd like to invite you to join me.

Earth Hour was conceived by the World Wildlife Fund, and represents the global call to action on climate change. The more people that pledge to turn off their lights for Earth Hour, the more influence we will have. Nearly one billion people around the world turned off their lights for Earth Hour 2009 and we can help make the next one even bigger.

Through the flick of a light switch on March 27 at 8:30 pm local time, we'll be casting our vote for action on one of the most pressing issues facing our planet, sending a message to our local, national, and global leaders that the time to act is now.
Follow this link to learn more and sign-up yourself.

A Thought to Ponder

2010-03-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

"If you're going to start doing something new, you have to stop doing something old." Peter Drucker

A Great Team

2010-02-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

As coordinator of the Pre-Engineering Department at Cherokee Trail High School, Paul Clinton and Ben Nuebel make my job easier. They are fantastic teachers who are devoted to their students and to their curriculum. I can't say that I offer much support in terms of knowing anything about computer aided drafting or plastics or robotics but I hope they know that I appreciate all that they do.

As advisers for TSA, Ben and Paul recently took students to the Technology Student Association State Conference. The team from Cherokee Trail took second place overall in the competition. No small feat I say. The teachers guidance and support for these students is evident. Running a club is a labor of love in a high school. Sponsors never really get paid adequately for the amount of time and effort you have to put into a club but they are so very important to the culture of a school. I have to say that I'm lucky. These guys make my job easy and I want to thank them for all that they do.

Building Awareness Step Two

2010-02-24T08:39:00.005-07:00

After sharing "the plan" created by the coordinators with admin, our next step was begin to stare it with staff. Initially we were going to meet in small groups but decided it was better to roll this out with admin present and with everyone hearing one message.

I should say that I'm not doing any of this alone. Between my pln, other tech coordinators in the district and Crystal, our other technology coach, we work on ideas together. Collaboration always makes things better I think.

Crystal and I spent quite a long time trying to come up with a theme that would help us roll this out. Having a theme seems to help us and makes it a little more fun. Our theme is "Recipe for Success".

Prior to the big staff meeting, Crystal created a great teaser video to kick things off.

We then sat down together and created the presentation that would be shared with staff during our inservice day.

Building Awareness Step One

2010-02-23T09:39:00.005-07:00

There has been lots of talk throughout the school year. Rumors are flying everywhere. Teachers know that something is happening but they don't have any details yet. I've specifically stalled as long as possible with regard to sharing information in order to avoid a sudden change in direction. However, I can't stall any longer. I need to begin the information campaign so we can move forward. If things change, we will roll with the punches but for now I need to get started.

Besides the administration, the first level of awareness was brought to the department coordinators. I needed them to understand the forces that will impact the technology and the school and I needed them to help develop a plan of action that we could all support. We needed time to do this so I provided a sub day and we got down to business.

My agenda included the following...

Objective
Brief assessment of self and department
Setting the stage
Change
Lingo
The Scoop
Brainstorming
Change elements
Time line and action plan

This turned out to be a great day. There were lots of good discussions and my ultimate goal of having a plan was accomplished.

Change

2010-02-22T09:04:00.004-07:00

Change isn't always easy. Especially when it comes to technology. We just aren't at a point yet where the majority of users are comfortable and adaptable. I think that time will come but we still have teachers working to become users and integrators of technology. Technology still isn't invisible yet but we are getting there.

That said, we have some changes coming down the pipe in our school. Lots of challenges to tackle and lots of changes to weather. It can be an exciting time. We will make the best of the situations that are thrown our way because choosing to be any other way will only lead to more frustration.

Naturally finances are going to be an obstacle for everyone in our state. Education is just not funded the way it should and I think everyone in Colorado will feel a pinch one way or another. Technology will definitely take a hit. In my years as a tech coordinator I've seen the money allocated to technology in a school continue to drop and next year, the district is "rethinking technology" which means change. Change for me as a tech coordinator, change for the district as a new vision evolves and change for teachers as the district streamlines its technology services, support and mission.

We are fortunate that our voters supported the needs of our school system. In a time where dollars are tight, the district is able to begin work to improve the technology infrastructure within the school system. It is a long awaited improvement. Faster bandwith and increased wireless will benefit both students and staff members alike. Gotta love that.

In an effort to provide equity among classrooms district wide, the Guaranteed and Viable Technology initiative is underway as well. The GVT is designed to provide a basic tool set that will transform the teaching and learning experience in our district.

I hope to document some of the thoughts and processes that will impact our school over the next few months. We know that change is constant. A journey of change awaits us.

Great Quote

2010-02-18T10:21:00.003-07:00

We have to do more than teach kids to surf the Net; we have to teach them to make waves. -- Ben Schneiderman

Cool PR Video For Our Pre Engineering Department

2010-02-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

No Choice

2010-01-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

"We may not feel comfortable in a world filled with technology. We may not like the way it’s changing things and, even more, how fast it’s changing things. We may not like the way it pushes against much of what we’ve been doing in schools for eons. But our kids don’t have a choice. And if we’re going to fulfill our roles as teachers in our kids lives, neither do we." -Will Richardson

Google Workshop for Educators

2010-01-20T19:44:00.002-07:00

Search, learn, share! Brought to you by the producers of the Google Teacher Academy, a Google Workshop for Educators (GWE) introduces participants to innovative ways Google tools can be used in education. A full day of fast-paced presentations and hands-on activities includes experience with advanced search techniques, collaborative web-based applications, and inspirational instructional strategies. Google Certified Teachers share ways they've implemented tools such as Google Docs, Google Earth, Google Sites, and... even more. Participants who complete the event are given access to the Google Workshops for Educators Network (GWEN), an online community focused on supporting educators as they learn more about the power of Google to drive student learning.

March 6th
8:30am - 3:30pm
Cherokee Trail High School
Aurora, CO

Please visit http://tinyurl.com/yz6vuxw to enroll.

Another Author Joins the Book Club

2009-12-18T11:22:00.001-07:00

John Grogan, author of Marley & Me, the current YA8 book club selection, has blogged with us! This is the second author to join in after Chris Crutcher (who, by the way, gave the kids amazing insight into his thoughts when writing). How cool is this?

Check us out and feel free to blog along. http://blog.ccsd.k12.co.us/booknook/

Author Responds to Student Book Club Blog

2009-11-20T07:46:00.001-07:00

Cherokee Trail High School's online book club, YA8 has a new follower...Chris Crutcher! While reading, Deadline, by Chris Crutcher during November. Lisa Ehrle, teacher-librarian at Cherokee Trial, contacted Chris, and he followed our blog! YA8 received recognition on Chris’s website, http://www.chriscrutcher.com , as well as comments on his facebook. Better even still…he blogged with us! He posted a comment for each of the four weeks. How exciting it was to hear the author’s point of view about his book. Check it out at http://blog.ccsd.k12.co.us/booknook/ and click on any “comments” for Deadline. The students were excited to know that the author was reading their opinions of his book.

Time for Another Google Teacher Academy!

2009-10-19T19:13:00.002-06:00

Applications are open today for our next GTA which will take place on Wednesday, December 9th from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM in Washington D.C.. The Google Teacher Academy is a FREE professional development experience designed to help K-12 educators get the most from innovative technologies. Each Academy is an intensive, one-day event where participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, receive resources to share with colleagues, and immerse themselves in an innovative corporate environment. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local region. The GTA is open to teachers all over the world, but participants must pay for their own travel and lodging, if necessary. Apply here by midnight of Monday, November 9th: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFc3NWtCcVZXT0tLcEFQdG1MVFFJYnc6MA

Expland Those Walls

2009-10-13T13:25:00.000-06:00

How do you get teachers to expand their classroom walls and begin to interact globally? I wish I had the miracle answer but Kim Cofino suggested the following which I thought was a good place to start:

1. Browse the following social networks for ideas

2. If you are looking for a specific geographic area, check out the network of international schools.

3. Ask the professionals.

4. Develop and expand your own personal learning network.

5. Jump in and get started.

Picture credit: http://tinyurl.com/yh5ch5f

Discovery Fall Conference

2009-10-12T12:03:00.002-06:00

Join thousands of educators online and in-person as the DEN team goes house to house to explore the many digital treats available to educators today. During this unique professional development event you have the flexibility to attend online or in-person at one of many regional events hosted by the DEN Leadership Councils.

The day will feature special presentations from Justin Karkow and Steve Dembo along with a host of other great sessions guaranteed to satisfy your digital sweet tooth.

To register for the virtual sessions visit: http://LINKS.discoveryeducation.com/virtualcon

Schedule
(All times ET)

9 AM
Can I Help You With That? The Student as Collaborator, Creator and Director
with Justin Karkow

10 AM
Do You Have the Audacity to Podcast?

11 AM
Thinking Outside the Slide

12 PM
Putting the Bling in Your Builders
with Steve Dembo

1 PM
What on Earth is a Gloggle?

2 PM
Be Nice and Share: Publishing Your Media-Infused Projects for the World to See

3 PM
Can I Help You With That? The Student as Collaborator, Creator and Director
encore presentation with Justin Karkow

National Day on Writing

2009-09-30T08:26:00.002-06:00

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has established October 20, 2009 as the National Day on Writing. For the National Day on Writing, the NCTE is collecting thousands of writing samples to be unveiled on that day and showcased online. The Google Docs team has partnered with the NCTE to curate a gallery and we're looking for contributions from you that speak to our theme: "The Internet and its impact on our lives."

Interesting in contributing? Go to the National Gallery on Writing and submit your writing piece as a published Google document.

Top 10 Myths in your School's Technology Department

2009-08-13T19:13:00.003-06:00

Summer School from Discovery

2009-07-25T15:43:00.001-06:00

Summer School with the DEN
Get ready for a new school year with the DEN! The entire month of August is jam-packed with free webinars. Tell a colleague, invite your principal and join us for Summer School with the DEN. Enroll today at: http://community.discoveryeducation.com/webinar.

All sessions begin at 11 AM ET.

Digital Storytelling Week
8/3/09
Thinking Outside the Slide: Creating non-linear PowerPoint presentations and learning centers with Discovery Education Media
8/4/09
Digital Storytelling Made Easy: Using Discovery Education Content with Animoto and PhotoStory
8/5/09
Director's Cut: Discovery Education Media and MovieMaker (PC)
8/6/09
Director's Cut: Discovery Education Media and iMovie (Mac)

Leadership Week
8/10/09
The Information Society is HERE: Are our schools up to the task? with Dr. Scott McLeod
8/11/09
Policies, Safety and Social Networking
8/12/09
Web 2.0 for Administrators and Others: Schools, Tools, and the 21st Century
8/13/09
Data Driven Decisions with Discovery Education Assessment

Science Week
8/17/09
Myth Busted: Easy Ways to Integrate Digital Media into Your Science Classroom
8/18/09
Getting Your Hands Dirty with Discovery Education Science
8/19/09
Differentiating Instruction with the Discovery Education Science Assessment Manager
8/20/09
More and Muir Tech Tips for Going Green

Web 2.0 Week
8/24/09
Get Your Glog On! The DE streaming Builders and Glogster
8/25/09
The Thread that Ties it All Together: Discovery Education Content and Voicethread
8/26/09
Two Roundtrip Tickets to Anywhere in the World: Designing Virtual Field Trips with Discovery Education Media and Google Earth
8/27/09
Learning Through the Funnies: Mixing Discovery Education Content with Free Comic Tools

Search Curriculum

2009-06-29T20:42:00.002-06:00

Great new search curriculum from Google.

TIE Conference

2009-06-25T10:44:00.003-06:00

A few Cherokee Trail teachers are attending the Technology in Education conference this summer. You can't beat a conference located in the beautiful rocky mountains and one that invites and challenges teachers to use tools relevant to the students in our classroom.

Rochelle Garcia in the Wellness and Fitness department has discovered numerous ways to integrate technology into her health classes.

Crysal Gasell, our new technology coach, is attending and getting ready to begin her work at CTHS this year.

Tina Barber and Molly Robbins are presenting a session called "Google Literacy with the eee pc's" and talking about the impact technology has had on their literacy instruction.

Lastly, I'm presenting a session called "Google-ize Your Staff Development" and sharing the benefits of using Google Apps as a staff developer as well as the benefits of using it as a classroom teacher.

There are lots of great teachers at CTHS doing great things. I can't wait to have them share even more.

CTHS Students Comment on Google Apps

2009-06-20T10:43:00.001-06:00

Summer Tech Camp

2009-06-19T22:33:00.001-06:00

Just A Reminder...

2009-06-19T18:36:00.000-06:00

Google Teacher Academy - Colorado

Boulder, CO

August 5, 2009

--------------------------------------------------------

Applications Due: July 3, 2009

http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html

--------------------------------------------------------

We are pleased to announce that another round of Google's FREE training program for K-12 educators is coming to Boulder Colorado! Outstanding educators from around the world are encouraged to apply for the Google Teacher Academy taking place on Wednesday, August 5, 2009.

The Google Teacher Academy is a free professional development experience designed to help K-12 educators get the most from innovative technologies. The GTA is an intensive, one-day event (8:30am-7:30pm) where participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, collaborate with exceptional educators, and immerse themselves in an innovative corporate environment. Upon completion, GTA participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local region.

50 outstanding educators from around the world will be selected to attend the GTA based on their passion for teaching, their experience as leaders, and their use of technology in K-12 settings. Each applicant is REQUIRED to produce and submit an original one-minute video on either of the following topics: "Motivation and Learning" or "Classroom Innovation." Applications for the event in Boulder are due on July 3, 2009. If possible, please use Google Video or YouTube to post these original videos. Participants must provide their own travel, and if necessary, their own lodging. Though we will give preference to K-12 educators within a 90-minute local commute of an Academy event, anyone may apply.

Learn more about the program and the application at http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html

Google Fan

2009-06-02T15:53:00.006-06:00

So we are a fan of Google around here and kids have been using Google Apps for Education throughout the year. Just had to share this rap done by one of our juniors. So fun! Thanks Jonathan!

Listen here.

New Search Engine Unveiled

2009-05-19T11:47:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for facts than the new Wolfram/Alpha search enginee might be just up your alley. Type in your question and it spits back the answer. No more weeding through numerous web pages to locate your answer. Billed as a computational knowledge engine, it will definitely have an impact on how we research with students. Well worth your time to watch the introductory video.

TED Commandments for Speaking

2009-05-12T09:08:00.002-06:00

Thou Shalt Not Simply Trot Out thy Usual Shtick.
Thou Shalt Dream a Great Dream, or Show Forth a Wondrous New Thing, Or Share Something Thou Hast Never Shared Before.
Thou Shalt Reveal thy Curiosity and Thy Passion.
Thou Shalt Tell a Story.
Thou Shalt Freely Comment on the Utterances of Other Speakers for the Sake of Blessed Connection and Exquisite Controversy.
Thou Shalt Not Flaunt thine Ego. Be Thou Vulnerable. Speak of thy Failure as well as thy Success.
Thou Shalt Not Sell from the Stage: Neither thy Company, thy Goods, thy Writings, nor thy Desperate need for Funding; Lest Thou be Cast Aside into Outer Darkness.
Thou Shalt Remember all the while: Laughter is Good.
Thou Shalt Not Read thy Speech.
Thou Shalt Not Steal the Time of Them that Follow Thee

(I think these can apply in lots of situations.)

Quotes to Inspire Change

2009-05-11T05:51:00.000-06:00

Found this on a website and unfortunately cannot link to it due to some inappropriate ads but I sure loved the quotes so had to share.

1. “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” -Audre Lorde

2. “We must not allow ourselves to become like the system we oppose.” -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

3. “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?” -Eleanor Roosevelt

4. “Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.”- Paulo Freire

5. “People must take a modicum of public responsibility for each other even if they have no ties to each other.” -Jane Jacobs

6. “We have a world to conquer…one person at a time…starting with ourselves.” -Nikki Giovanni

7. “We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

8. “It is not enough to be compassionate – you must act.”- His Holiness The Dalai Lama

9. “The people are the only ones capable of transforming society.”- Rigoberta Menchu

10. “Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations.”- Jean Paul Richter

11. “There will be no Homeland Security until we realize that the entire planet is our homeland. Every sentient being in the world must feel secure.” -John Perkins

12. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.” -Helen Keller

13. “Take your easy tears somewhere else. Tell yourself none of this ever had to happen. And then go make it stop. With whatever breath you have left. Grief is a sword or it is nothing.” -Paul Monette

14. “Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope.” -Reinhold Neibuhr

15. “During times of universal deceit telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” -George Orwell

16. “To be human, at the most profound level, is to encounter honestly the inescapable circumstances that constrain us, yet muster the courage to struggle compassionately for our own unique individualities and for more democratic and free societies.” -Cornel West

17.”If you are trying to transform a brutalized society into one where people can live in dignity and hope, you begin with the empowering of the most powerless. You build from the ground up.” -Adrienne Rich

18. “Wisdom lies neither in fixity nor in change, but in the dialectic between the two.” -Octavio Paz

19. “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.” -Elie Wiesel

20. “The more you move, the stronger you’ll grow….” -Ha Jin

Google Teacher Academy

2009-05-06T08:51:00.002-06:00

Application now open for GTA Boulder. August 5th, 2009.
Apply by MIDNIGHT, July 3rd, 2009.

http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html

Teacher Appreciation Day

2009-05-06T06:08:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to thank a teacher today.

http://www.teacherthankyoucard.org/

Copyright - How much do you understand?

2009-05-05T16:21:00.003-06:00

Copyright can be confusing. When can we use something? How much can we use? What is fair use? These are all questions that plague teachers at one time or another. That said, I think there are a number of us who push copyright issues to the sideline and go about our business. As educators we really should be aware of what we are doing. We really should have a basic understanding of the issue. Your friendly librarian would be happy to help but you also might enjoy this short video by the Copyright Clearance Center that reminds us all of the basics.

Interesting Stats

2009-04-23T08:11:00.000-06:00

Youtube March 09 (1)

100 million monthly viewers in the US.
6.3 billion videos viewed

Facebook

100 million to 200 million users in less than 8 months.(2)
from February 2008 to February 2009. (3)(6)

2,721% growth in Italy
999% in Spain
607% in Belgium
518% in France
499% in Switzerland.

Facebook vs MySpace at end of 2008 (4)

Facebook 65.7 million unique visitors
MySpace’s 54.1 million.

Twitter (5)

grew 76.8 percent just from February to March
yearly growth rate? 1,382 percent.
7 million unique monthly visitors.
@ current growth 100 million visitors same time next year.

(Reposting from Educational Oragami and Mashable)

Cool New Timeline Tool

2009-04-22T09:51:00.003-06:00

If you like timelines you might want to take a look at Google News Timeline. If you enter in an event or news story it will track the progression of articles and images for the dates you request. Actually you can get quotes, videos, music and other items as well. Love it!

Goomoodleikiog

2009-04-07T09:12:00.001-06:00

Just substitute Blackboard for Moodle in this video and I think that it provides some food for thought as we return for the last quarter of the school year.

DEN Virtual Conference

2009-04-06T13:02:00.001-06:00

Spring Into Action with the DEN and join thousands of educators who are passionate about integrating media into their instruction and collaborating with each other to improve student achievement. During this unique (and free) professional development event you have the flexibility to attend online or in-person at one of many regional events hosted by the DEN Leadership Councils.

When?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
9 AM to 3 PM EDT
Where?
Wherever.
How much?
Free.

The day will feature a special presentation from Chris Lehman, Principal of the Science Leadership Academy in the School District of Philadelphia as well as a great lineup of sessions from STAR Discovery Educators and the DEN team.

Sign up here

Registration opens on Thursday, April 2. Check the blog for all the updated information.

Don't Assume Kids Know How to Search

2009-03-11T10:57:00.003-06:00

OK - it is one of my pet peeves. Day after day I watch teachers enter the computer labs to do research with their students and I rarely see anyone talk to the kids about how to search effectively and how to make sure the sites they use are credible and worthy of using. It just gets to me sometimes. I know that class time is precious but perhaps spending some time on these very topics might save you some time in the long run. It doesn't have to take hours. You can have your students watch this video for quick tips and tricks, search for lessons that already exist or use our media center staff who I know would be more than happy to help anyone with this topic (and for that matter, so would I). Let's not assume our kids are getting taught these skills but rather make sure they leave here with them.

3 Things You Can Do to Improve Writing

2009-03-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Writing continues to be a focus for our school. I don't think that a year goes by where we don't want our students to be better writers and we seek opportunities and strategies that might influence this outcome so naturally I'm always on the lookout.

Fortunately I read the NCTE blog and I don't think I can say it any better than how Traci Gardner summed it up. I thought it was worth repeating.

"To support 21st century writers, teachers need to make writers visible.

When writing is forbidden or undervalued, it becomes invisible. When family and friends and society and even the law say that our writing does not matter, we compose in hiding.

We delete our MySpace pages. We hide our blogs. We create anonymous logins to post on Wikipedia. We write only in word processor files that we protect with passwords and in diaries that we hide in the sock drawer. We write letters that we can never send and poems that we'll never share in class. We learn that that only certain writing counts and that only certain people are truly writers. Our texts disappear, and so do we.

It just takes three simple things to get started:

Welcome all writing.
Writers express themselves in text messages, blog posts, and wiki entries. They compose fan fiction, angry rants, and email messages. They write reviews on Amazon, item descriptions on eBay, and status updates on Twitter and Facebook. And sure, in the classroom, they write test answers, book reports, and journal entries. We have to recognize, value, and allow everything. Not just the customary classroom genres. All writing matters.
Call students writers.
That's right. It's the simplest and most effective thing teachers (and families) can do. From the beginning, we need to recognize students as writers. Not "student writers," and certainly not just "students." They are writers, no matter how much they write or how polished their writing may be. When people believe they are writers, a whole world of possibilities opens up.
Celebrate all writers equally.
There is no special admissions test you have to pass to become a writer. The texts written in the classroom are just as important as those published in the textbooks. Make every writer in the classroom a role model. Use great openings by students alongside those in the textbook. Share effective word choice by students at the same time you share the diction of Maya Angelou or William Shakespeare. Emphasize that students don't have to aspire to be writers—they are writers, and every writer matters"

Quote For The Day

2009-03-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

"The key to this transformation is not to standardize education but to personalize it, to build achievement on discovering the individual talents of the each child, to put students in an environment where they want to learn and where they can naturally discover their true passions (238). The curriculum should be personalized. Learning happens in the minds and souls of individuals–not in the databases of multiple-choice tests (248)."

- Sir Ken Robinson

One Hour Can Make a Difference

2009-03-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Turn out. Take action.

Be part of this historic event.

March 28, 2009, 8:30 pm local time

Join Denver and other individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world in turning off your lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.

M.I.T. Moving Lectures Out of the Classroom

2009-03-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I always thought that M.I.T. is where the brainiacts go. And because the students go there, they also have some brainiact teachers.

Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised to stumble on this article. I love that this institution saw a need for change and made it happen. In their physics classrooms, traditional lectures are now taking a back seat to an environment that allows for increased interaction, collaboration and a more student centered learning environment. In this type of environment, students are able to apply the concepts more successfully. Better yet, they have seen an increase in attendance as well as fundamental understanding of the concepts.

The brain can only handle so much. Maybe this is a good time to take a few minutes and reflect on what practices you are currently employing in your classroom. Could it be time for a change?

Google Certified Teacher Reflection

2009-02-27T09:19:00.012-07:00

I can hardly believe it is almost March. This year appears to be flying by. Seems like only yesterday I was applying to attend the Google Teacher Academy and now I find my life fully relying on Google applications and spreading the gospel of Google.

It's not that I believe Google is the end all be all but I do think that there is a significant movement to use applications via a web browser that would free the user from clinging to one specific computer. And with that movement and advent of netbooks, iphones and other internet connected devices we are moving closer to providing students with 1:1 access to information and resources. That can be revolutionary in a classroom.

After attending the Google Teacher Academy I kicked off our Technology Summer Camp for Teachers with an overview of many of the Google resources that we learned about. As usual there were lots of ooo's and ahh's and it peaked the interest of many of the participants.

I was also intrigued about the idea of using Google Apps for Education so I came back and immediately it set up for our school district. Typically this is something that would be handled by the district and I really had no idea what I was doing but went forth anyway. I figured I would ask for forgiveness later if I needed to. :) As of now there are approximately 7000 users on the server and we continue to add more daily. I've participated in numerous discussions with the Chief Information Officer and other district personnel about the possibility of this becoming a primary tool for our district. We are not there in terms of a full adoption but we move closer each day.

Google Apps for Education has become an even bigger part of my personal and professional life as I use the tools to communicate and collaborate with the staff and students in my building. I'm in love with Google Sites and seem to create one on a daily basis for one thing or another. Google is running amuck within our building. We started small with just a pilot group in English and now it has spread through the building. I believe next year we will see an even larger implementation.

I've taught a number of classes after school this year on Google Apps for Education and will continue to do next year. Folks that participant are generally wowed with all that it offers them and their students.

Because our use is new and has grown, I'm working with the initial pilot group and we will be presenting at the Colorado Language Arts Society conference and the Technology in Education conference in a session called 21st Century Literacy. I will also do another session at the TIE conference called "Google-ize Your Staff Development".

I have used my blog as a vehicle for communicating items to the staff in our building and have written about some items teachers might be interested in. I intended to do even more but found myself spending less time blogging this year overall. Simply too much to do and too little time. I hope to revitalize some of the tips and tricks as the years pass on.

One of the ways I decided to give back to Google was to create a group in KIVA and encourage all the GTC's to participate if they could. We successfully funded a project and currently have 15 members. Not a bad start.

Lastly, one cannot ignore the GCT community. What a great group of people! Everyone is so supportive and as someone who is the lone ranger in my building I really appreciate the support.

When I came back from the GTA, I reflected on what I learned and came up with these thoughts. After 8 months, I think they still apply.

Work can and should be fun
Imagination and creativity should be fostered
Technology is a bridge
Take care of one another - people first
Celebrate
Two or more minds leads to great things
Love what you do

Who Inspires You?

2009-02-06T07:22:00.001-07:00

As you know I love TED talks and this one caught my eye not long ago. Sir Ken Robinson spent time sharing his sources of inspiration.

Since he shared his, I've decided to share mine and hope you will do the same.

Who: My family, Martin Luther King, my mother
What: quotes, the ocean, mountains
Where: Cliffs of Moehr in Ireland, Japanese gardens, Victoria's Peak in Hong Kong
When: Quiet times
Why: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." -Flavia
How: Keeping head and heart open

Something to Think About

2009-02-05T08:13:00.003-07:00

Read by Ray Anderson during his TED talk about sustainable ways of doing business.

Tomorrow's Child © Glenn Thomas

Without a name; an unseen face

and knowing not your time nor place

Tomorrow's Child, though yet unborn,

I met you first last Tuesday morn.

A wise friend introduced us two,

and through his sobering point of view

I saw a day that you would see;

a day for you, but not for me

Knowing you has changed my thinking,

for I never had an inkling

That perhaps the things I do

might someday, somehow, threaten you

Tomorrow's Child, my daughter-son

I'm afraid I've just begun

To think of you and of your good,

Though always having known I should.

Begin I will to weigh the cost

of what I squander; what is lost

If ever I forget that you

will someday come to live here too.

2 Minute Teacher Tech Talk Podcast

2009-02-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Listen to Erica Mills talk about starting to vodcast in her classroom.

The Lost Generation

2009-02-04T07:24:00.001-07:00

Be sure to watch this from beginning to end. Shared by Sharon Elitz, this video placed second in the AARP U@50 contest.

As I watched it, I was reminded that our perspective on something can and does matter.

The Miniature Earth

2009-02-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

Stumbled across this a while back but I think it is fascinating.

"If the world's population was reduced to 100 people, it would look something like this...."

Techie Grant Opportunity

2009-02-02T12:17:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Jim Curran for posting this info.

Teachers and Technology Grants Offer $200,000 for Classroom Tech Tools

DENVER, Jan. 28, 2009 — From smartboards to software and iPods to podcasts, for the past two years, teachers in Colorado have opened new chapters in their students’ classroom success. During that time, the Qwest Foundation awarded $160,000 to Colorado teachers through the Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program.

To continue these high-tech triumphs, the Qwest Foundation today announced that for the 2009 school year, Colorado teachers can compete for a share of $200,000 in grants for their technology-related classroom projects. The Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program will award grants of approximately $5,000 each to Colorado teachers who put today’s technology to use for their students.

The grant application deadline is March 10, 2009 educators may learn more about the project and download applications at [ http://www.qwest.com/coloradoteachers ]

The funds may be used to purchase supplies or to support professional development needs; funds may not be used to pay salaries or stipends.

CTHS Pre-Engineering and Technology Education Video

2009-02-02T11:43:00.001-07:00

View the departments promotional video created by Ben Nuebel and Paul Clinton.

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=2af2153df8712d607d70

Something to Think About...

2009-01-30T09:22:00.003-07:00

Google and College Readiness

2009-01-21T18:20:00.002-07:00

I believe this article is timely as I introduce more and more of the CTHS staff and student body to Google Aps for Education. Great supportive documentation as we talk about college readiness.

Do You Know Who I Am?

2009-01-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

I was fired from my newspaper job because my ideas were out there. I am Walt Disney.

My teacher described me as mentally slow, unsocial able and adrift in my foolish dreams. I am Albert Einstein.

I credit my ability to think differently as the source of my fearless innovation, creativity and energy. I am David Neeleman, founder of Jet Blue.

Do you know who I am?

I'm someone with ADD.

If you walked in my shoes you would know what it's like to have such great intentions, not being able to live up to them and often letting people down

And no matter how much you wanted it, your goals would only become no more than an agonizing reminder of something you never achieved no matter how brilliant your ideas are.

And whats most frustrating is that it's hard for others to understand what it's like, to be me.

Not everyone can thrive with ADD but I can, if given the right tools.

And the next time I'm feeling as though I'm swimming again the tide I'm doing to swim WITH it because ADD is not a label... it's a challenge... and I can face it.

(text from http://www.theattentionmovie.com/)

Obama's Inauguration Address

2009-01-20T21:15:00.003-07:00

What speaks to you in this wordle of Obama's Inauguration Address?

Make a Shift in Your Teaching

2009-01-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in a vodcasting workshop in beautiful Woodland Park, Colorado this weekend. I first came across the term when I listened to these two gentleman talk at a Podcast Summit a few years ago. I loved what they were doing then and I still think the idea is brilliant

The whole idea is to shift the paradigm in your classroom. If teaching is about relationships, this is a perfect way to foster them, cover more content and improve the rigor and relevance of the content as well.

Typically we spend time lecturing to students. It is a passive time for students in terms of engagement. They take notes (or not) and often pretend they get whatever you are saying. What if instead you used the class time to spend more time talking with students, differentiating for the students, helping students do the homework they actually might need help on instead of spending the class time lecturing. Basically you are just flip-flopping what you currently do in the classroom by having the students listen to your lecture, take the notes at home and spend more classtime problem solving and applying knowledge.

While there are technical issues to discuss with your technology coordinator, and there is some time spent initially keeping one step ahead of the students I think this is worth a try. You could even pair up with a teacher and alternate creating the enhanced podcasts.

We have the technology at CTHS. Come see me if this peaks your interest at all.

READ

2009-01-20T16:28:00.003-07:00

Let's all support reading. Use this link to create your own ALA READ poster.

Our Teens

2009-01-12T21:00:00.003-07:00

Recently released data from the American Life project at PEW proided some interesting statistics.

87% of teens use email
60% of teens have desktop or laptop
75% of teens have a cell phone
93% of teens use the internet & 90% of online teens use their browsers for cloud computing activities
68% of online teens use instant messaging
20% of teens have pda/blackberry
30% of online teens keep blogs and regularly post & 54% read blogs
35% of online teens find out about new songs by free downloads ~ 33% of online teens swap files on peer-to-peer
55% of online teens use Wikipedia
74% of teens have an MP3 player
70% of online teens use social network sites
40%-50% of online teens tag content
60%-70% of teens have digital cameras & ~50%- 60% of online teens post photos online
25% of online teens have downloaded podcasts
40% of teens have video cameras, ~25% have uploaded videos & >75% view videos on video-sharing sites

I have to wonder how the statistics would look if we surveyed our teachers.

Sign Up to Win A Wireless Lab

2009-01-12T16:20:00.002-07:00

Who wouldn't love to have a set of laptops in their classroom? Once again, Discovery Education and CDWG have a sweepstakes that anyone in a K-12 school can enter. Equip your classroom for the 21st century by visiting this site daily from now until May 1st. Worth a shot I think.

In the spirit of the holidays....

2008-12-17T10:00:00.003-07:00

I was just looking through my files. Unsure where this came from but wanted to share being the geek that I am.

T'was the Internet Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Net,
There were hacker's a surfing. Nerds? Yeah, you bet.
The e-mails were stacked by the modem with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The newbies were nestled all snug by their screens,
While visions of Java danced in their dreams.
My wife on the sofa and me with a snack,
We just settled down at my rig (it's a Mac).

When out in the Web there arose such a clatter,
I jumped to the site to see what was the matter.
To a new page my Mac flew like a flash,
Then made a slight gurgle. It started to crash!!

I gasped at the thought and started to grouse,
Then turned my head sideways and clicked on my mouse.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
My Mac jumped to a page that wasn't quite clear.

When the image resolved, so bright and so quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick!
More rapid than mainframes, more graphics they came,
Then Nick glanced toward my screen, my Mac called them by name;

"Now Compaq! Now Acer!", my speaker did reel;
"On Apple! On Gateway!" Santa started to squeal!
"Jump onto the circuits! And into the chip!
Now speed it up! Speed it up! Make this thing hip!"

The screen gave a flicker, he was into my "Ram",
Then into my room rose a full hologram!
He was dressed in all red, from his head to his shoes,
Which were black (the white socks he really should lose).

He pulled out some discs he had stored in his backpack.
Santa looked like a dude who was rarin' to hack!
His eyes, how they twinkled! His glasses, how techno!
This ain't the same Santa that I used to know!

With a wink of his eye and a nod of his head,
Santa soon let me know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, gave my Mac a quick poke,
And accessed my C drive with only a stroke.

He defragged my hard drive, and added a "Dimm",
Then threw in some cool games, just on a whim!
He worked without noise, his fingers they flew!
He distorted some pictures with Kai's Power Goo!

He updated Office, Excel and Quicken,
Then added a screensaver with a red clucking chicken!
My eyes widened a bit, my mouth stood agape,
As he added the latest version of Netscape.

The drive gave a whirl, as if it were pleased,
St. Nick coyly smiled, the computer appeased.
Then placing his finger on the bridge of his nose,
Santa turned into nothing but ones and zeros!

He flew back into my screen and through my uplink,
Back into the net with barely a blink.
But I heard his sweet voice as he flew from my sight,
"Happy surfing to all, and to all a good byte!"

A Colorado Conversation

2008-12-16T11:00:00.002-07:00

Reprinted from Bud Hunt's blog:

You are invited to attend the Learning 2.0: A Colorado Conversation Conference (2009 Edition).

What is Learning 2.0: A Colorado Conversation?

Learning 2.0: A Colorado Conversation is a one day conference/meetup for teachers, administrators, students, school board members, parents and anyone who is interested in education. It will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2009, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm at Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado, USA (different location than last year - here’s a map). We assume most folks will be from Colorado, but everyone is welcome to attend, and we are working on some ideas for virtual participation.

Education is conversation. Conversation creates change.

The future of education does not exist in the isolated world of theory and abstract conference sessions. Instead, it exists in conversations. It exists in creating a robust learning network that is ever-expanding andjust-in-time. Learning 2.0 is not the beginning of this conversation. It is merely a stopping point, a time to talk about the visible difference that we all seek.
We read. We reflect. We write. We share. We learn.

Come join us for a day of conversation about learning and technology.You can learn much more about the conference on the wiki, including information about registering. Here are some highlights:

Tentative ScheduleWe’re still working on the details so this will be updated before the conference. Also, this may expand if we have more folks register than we are anticipating.

RegistrationYou must register so that we know how many folks to expect and so that we can have enough lunches available. (Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch?)
CostFree, baby. And lunch is included, thanks to the generous support of Littleton Public Schools and St. Vrain Valley Public Schools.

WirelessBYOL (that would be Bring Your Own Laptop) - we’ll have wireless access to the Internet (filtered) - we may test our capacity to handle density of machines, but hopefully things will go swimmingly. If not, we have wired machines in various places you can access.

Questions for StudentsWe’re having a student panel discussion during lunch. Here’s your chance to submit some questions for them to consider.

Invite OthersWe strongly encourage you to invite other folks from your school, district, neighborhood, or learning network to attend as well. It would be great if everyone could bring at least one person with them that is perhaps new to this conversation. Bring a student along, too. (Just remember to register.)

42

2008-12-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Barry Bachenheimer did this video not long ago. When I saw it on Milobo's Musings blog it really struck home with me. 42 is the average number of people who respond and react to a students written work from the time they enter kindergarten to the time they graduate from high school. Can you believe it? Only 42 and so many years of education. "A student's perception of their ability as a writer, thinker or communicator has been influenced and shaped by an audience of fewer than 4 dozen people."

Teaching with web 2.0 tools in mind can change that. We can increase that number tremendously by doing things like blogging, and collaborating with Google Docs. We can bridge a gap that exists and teach students to work and write for a more global audience. Once upon a time, we didn't have the tools to do it but now we do and there are people who would love to help you. Seek them out. Seek me out.

2 Minute Teacher Tech Talk Podcast

2008-12-03T14:02:00.004-07:00

Listen to Mrs. Robbins talk about using Google Aps for Education for the first time.

All Students Meme

2008-12-02T08:16:00.003-07:00

Fellow GCT Nicole Cox tagged me with this meme.

1. Share three things that you believe about all students.
2. Reflect on your thoughts in your blog. (If you do not have a blog, you can share your ideas in a comment from this post.)
3. Be sure to link to this post and to where you were first tagged.
4. Tag your response with AllStudentsMeme
5. Invite others to join the conversation by tagging them to be a part of the meme.

Hmmm....where to begin?

I believe that positive relationships with students are a necessary and vital part of the learning process.

I believe that we must nurture the genius within each student - whatever that might be.

I believe that every student has a story.

I'm going to tag the following people.

Teacher Tech Talk Podcast

2008-11-19T16:01:00.004-07:00

Applied Tech teacher Ben Nuebel sheds a little light on his what exactly his class is about.

Link here

A Gentle Reminder

2008-11-14T08:39:00.008-07:00

This month is National Adoption Awareness month. I am confident that we as educators do not purposely try to make students feel out of place but occasionally if our instruction and assignments aren't culturally relevant, if we don't take a few minutes to review the kinds of assignments that we ask our students to complete keeping in mind their varied experiences and life history - we might just lose a few students.

As the mother of an adopted Chinese daughter, I just wanted to take a minute to gently remind teachers to keep in mind that our students come from all different kinds of families. A family tree, genetics, timelines, baby pictures and the like are not always easy assignments to complete for some kids. Providing choices is always a great solution in meeting the needs of different students. Make sure you have a solid learning goal in mind and offer alternatives that meet the needs of the students in your classroom. Again, just a gentle reminder during the month that means a great deal to my family and I. :)

Thank You

2008-11-11T10:35:00.003-07:00

Thank you to all the Veterans out there who so selflessly provide us with so many of the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.

Top 100 Tools for Learning

2008-11-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

I found this list very interesting. Wondering how many you use?

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: tools learning)

Death by Powerpoint

2008-11-05T15:57:00.004-07:00

It's time to make a change. No longer should we require our students to sit and view a presentation that consists of a header, bulleted points and maybe some clip art. There are books and articles all over the place that remind us that Powerpoint can be a powerful tool IF it is used the right way.

Seth Godin writes that "our brains have two sides. The right side is the emotional, musical and mood side. The left side is focused on dexterity, facts, and hard data. People want to use both parts of their brain. You need both to effectively communication your message."

Seth offers these suggestions to improve immediately.

Make slides that reinforce your words, not repeat them. No more than 6 words on a slide, ever.

Don't use cheesy images. Use photo images. Take advantage of creative commons. Show me some smog and a diseased lung and I might worry more about pollution.

Keep it simply. No fancy transitions.
Create a written document. Don't print out your slides but offer the left brained folks the footnotes and details that helped you sell your presentation to them emotionally.

Put up a slide, the image triggers an emotional response and your audience will want to know what your going to say that fits with that image. If you do it right, that image will pop into their brain when they think of what you said.

Take a look at these award winning presentations.

If you want a great book, I'll also suggest you read Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds or visit his blog. It might just change the way you think about Powerpoint.

And Then They Wept

2008-11-05T07:28:00.001-07:00

Loved this article so had to share.

http://blow.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/people-wept/

Today is a good day.

Google Tip of the Day

2008-10-16T19:10:00.005-06:00

If you using Google Docs or Google Apps for Education, then don't miss the opportunity to check out the large number of templates now available for you to use. There is a even a special section for students and teachers. Which one is your favorite?

Hulu

2008-10-16T18:58:00.004-06:00

While YouTube can have some very questionable content, it is not easy to dismiss the value that educational video can play in the classroom. There are numerous tools that will allow teachers to bring YouTube videos into the school but perhaps it is worth a shot to try Hulu in searching for video clips. This site features both clips and full shows in a free and legal manner.

Let me know what you think. If nothing else, you should be entertained.

Kick Off Fall Break with a Free Conference

2008-10-16T18:22:00.002-06:00

Ever attended a Virtual Conference? Now is your chance and all you need is a computer with Internet access. Connect with other educators from around the country by participating in the Discovery Education Network Virtual Conference.

Learn ways to integrate digital media and Web 2.0 tools in your instruction.

Saturday, October 25, 2009

Session details can be found here.

Registration is now open on the Discovery web site.

Technology Exam On The Horizon

2008-10-13T16:33:00.002-06:00

According to an article from eSchool News, technology literacy will become a part of the Nation's Report Cart, also known as NAEP, in 2012.

For the first time a test will measure student's technology proficiencies along with math, science, reading, writing and other subjects.

At this time there is no universal understanding for what technology literacy means nor is there a common assessment requirement in all fifty states.

WestEd has been awarded the responsibility of developing a "framework that will guide the nation to a high quality assessment" and showcase how our students are doing.

*********

Technology is truly a moving target. While I believe students need technology skills I wonder just how this will play out. And of course as a technology coordinator, I wonder how this will play out logistically. Will students be required to take a hands on test? How will that works in schools that are not as fortunate as some to have the resources available to them?

Hmmm, what do you think about the idea of this technology assessment?

The Time Is Nearing

2008-10-01T20:55:00.003-06:00

Are you registered to vote? Time to do so is quickly fading. Don't be left out.

Visit maps.google.com/vote to find out where you can register.

No Vote - No Voice.

Student Quote on Technology

2008-09-26T07:55:00.004-06:00

Nathalie M., staff reporter for our student newspaper, recently wrote, "Technology should be used as a bridge connecting adults to what teens think. It should be the starting point for a good dialogue, not as a wall separating us."

I love that quote so just had to share. While it isn't always easy, I believe if you work with students it is part of our job to break down those walls.

What do you think?

How Many Can You Help?

2008-09-24T17:25:00.002-06:00

Google is turning 10 and they are celebrating with Project 10-100. The idea is to help as many people in the world as you can. Those whose ideas help the most stand a chance of winning funds to help implement the project. What a great way to give back! How many can you help?

Google Teacher Academy Podcast

2008-09-23T16:10:00.004-06:00

Well, back in June when I attended the Google Teacher Academy I decided to try a podcast service called Gcast. It allows you to call in and publish podcasts via your phone. It is a slick tool which requires little effort.

That said I was podcasting in the car and accidentally ended the call before I saved. I thought all was lost but low and behold I just recently visited my Gcast site and found my files there. So, while this isn't as timely as I had originally intended I still wanted to share the two podcasts I created while in route from Monteray to Mountain View with Podpirate Brian Van Dyck, his wife and Cool Cat Teacher Vicki Davis. Vicki's podcast will be posted later.

Listen here

Reorganizing

2008-09-21T15:54:00.003-06:00

Tools change and so must I. The district has moved away from their original blog server and is now using Edublogs. While it doesn't effect this blog, it does effect my Teacher Tech Talk podcasts so I moved everything over this weekend and you can now find these podcasts at http://blog.ccsd.k12.co.us/teachertechtalks/.

In addition, I've tried to begin to consolidate technology information/resources for my school into a one-stop-shop using Google sites. I will simply add items as I go since adding everything I have will just be too time consuming. If you work at CTHS, this will provide some handy information for you. Others will just have to look around for tidbits of information/tools/resources. Please visit the CTHS Technology Site and look around.

Another Google Teacher Academy Opportunity

2008-09-21T12:21:00.002-06:00

The Google Teacher Academy is a FREE professional development experience designed to help K-12 educators get the most from innovative technologies. Each Academy is an intensive, one-day event where participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, receive resources to share with colleagues, and immerse themselves in an innovative corporate environment. Upon completion, Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local region.Google Teacher Academy - NYC
New York, New York November 18, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
Applications Due: October 10, 2008

http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html

--------------------------------------------------------

Don't miss out!

Design Principles From Google

2008-09-21T11:57:00.005-06:00

Design principles. From Google.

1. Focus on people—their lives, their work, their dreams.
2. Every millisecond counts.
3. Simplicity is powerful.
4. Engage beginners and attract experts.
5. Dare to innovate.
6. Design for the world.
7. Plan for today’s and tomorrow’s business.
8. Delight the eye without distracting the mind.
9. Be worthy of people’s trust.
10. Add a human touch.

Seems like these would work well in education too! What do you think?

Corporate Information

I Remember

2008-09-11T10:44:00.003-06:00

I remember I was in the computer lab

I remember the word spreading like wildfire

I remember watching the TV in the media center

I remember a surreal feeling

I remember crying

I remember a sense of panic as I thought about family back east

I remember thinking of my new infant and my own family

I remember the pain and suffering I felt for every person

I remember the revived patriotism in our country

I remember walking the streets of Ground Zero 40 days after

I remember feeling sick

I remember courageous people

I remember healing with the passage of time

I remember and I won't ever forget.

Start Your Week Off Right

2008-09-09T16:47:00.003-06:00

Reprinted from Starbucks.

"It’s not an apple to welcome teachers back to school, but a cup of coffee. In recognition of teachers, Starbucks is offering school teachers, grades K-12 a complimentary tall cup of brewed coffee on Mondays during the month of September. Bring in your teacher identification to any Starbucks."

Last Chance to Participate

2008-09-08T21:05:00.001-06:00

Google and the National Writing Project invite you to participate in Letters to the Next President: Writing Our Future, a writing and publishing opportunity for students during the period of the presidential campaign. Letters to the Next President aims to illuminate the ideas and visions of young people across the nation and will demonstrate that they can and do express themselves in writing.

With the support of their teachers, students will write a persuasive letter to our two presidential candidates about the issues they care about and are relevant to their lives. Topics will be chosen by the students themselves to reflect their specific regional and age-related interests. Google Docs will allow teachers to incorporate peer review, revisions, and publishing into support of the student letters. Participating students will publish their letters online to a Letters to the Next President website for their peers, parents, and the public to read.You can learn more about this project at www.nwp.org/r/letters2president.

The registration deadline for teachers is Sept. 12, 2008.

Kudos

2008-09-03T20:56:00.006-06:00

One cannot do this job alone and I have lots of people to thank for doing the great things they do and in helping the year get off to a great start.

Rita Patten who worked tirelessly to help get this building in tip top shape.
Debbie Ricken for the endless hours she put in alongside me this summer.
Paul Whipple and the media team for allowing me to invade their space during the busy summer opening for the technology camp.
Dina Snider and Kathleen Larkins who graciously did the Xerox training for teachers. Thanks you!
Brooke Gregory for listening.
Elliot Glass, Brad Weinhold, Michael Chimento, Curt Citte, Terry Miller, Nanci Mcelhaney and Laurie Martin for stepping up and volunteering to be the tech liaisons to their departments.
Maria Dubbs and Tina Barber who made Blackboard usage a priority in their departments and showed it by providing valuable time for teachers to work.
The EOP's in our building who were "oh so patient" in waiting for their computers to be ready (especially Jeanne Mcrae).
Brad Weinhold who installed a ton of software for the math department and saved us valuable time.
Janis Schimmel who donates some time every summer to do small tasks for the technology department. We so appreciated it.
Paul Clinton and Ben Nuebel who take great responsibility in making sure their labs are up and working for students. You save us a ton of time.
Lisa Ehrle, Jessica Eberhart, Tina Barber and Molly Robbins who attended the Technology in Education conference this summer and blogged about their experience.
Scott Myer, Kathi Meyers, Glen Matthews and Shannon Schwab who were new to CTHS but dived in and attending our summer technology camp.
Shannon Strandberg who does a great job managing the laptop cart for the English department.
Mark Wahlstrom who will be the new technology department supervisor. We look forward to working with him.
My family who spent the last month without Mom being home.
Joe Brandstetter who spent some time changing printers in the science wing for us (and them too).
Barb Schlottman and Therese Davis for their continued support. We appreciate you too!
Our summer student hires, Arthur and Mandy, who helped keep us sane.

The list goes on but I'll stop for now. More to come later. :)

Google Tip of the Day: Chrome

2008-09-03T20:43:00.002-06:00

Did you know that Google just announced their own version of a web browser? It is called Google Chrome and as usual with Google developing it, it looks pretty good so far. Visit http://www.google.com/chrome to download it and give it a try. It definitely seems to run faster on my machine and I love that I can incorporate many of the applications I typically go to but you be the judge. Let me know what you think.