Technology TIP

If you have not visited the Thinkfinity website, this is a perfect time to take a look. I will be presenting before/after school TIP Sessions soon (see the dates/times below). Thinkfinity is a great resource for teachers to find hundreds of standards-based lesson plans, student interactives, and tools for 21st century learning. The newly designed website helps teachers quickly search and access resources from leading educational organizations. Content is searchable by keywords or state standards. You can refine your search be selecting the desired subject, grade level, or type of resource (lesson plans, audio, videos, worksheets, etc.). It’s a free service that will save you time and enhance your curriculum. Can’t make the session? Take a look at the TIP Sheet.

TIP Session Dates/Times:

• Middle School on Tuesday, February 28 in the Moon Lab
  7:10 - 7:30 am (before school)
  2:45 - 3:05 pm (after school)
• High School on Wednesday, February 29 in the Ares Lab
  7:15 - 7:35 am (before school)
  2:40 - 3:00 pm (after school)

The Classroom TIP (Technology Incentive Program) is a process to help teachers successfully integrate technology into the curriculum. The plan provides training, support, and equipment/software for teachers who request technology for their classrooms. I made this short video (5-min.) to help explain the benefits and requirements of the program. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Last spring, Microsoft restructured their K-12 pricing program. This made it much more affordable for us to purchase MS Office licenses for all the computers in our district. Along with the new pricing structure, they also offer a “Home Use Program” (HUP) for all district staff members (note: you must have an np.k12.mn.us email address). For only $9.95, you can have the 2010 version of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook on your home computer. I’ve posted the directions to download, purchase, and install Microsoft Office 2010 below. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Directions: MS Office HUP

Remind 101 is a safe way for teachers/coaches to text message students and stay in touch with parents. It is very easy to set up and even has the ability to delay messages. Why is this important? Maybe you want to remind students to study for the tomorrow’s test at 7pm… just sent the delay message time before you leave school. Or maybe you want to send review questions every 5-minutes for an hour in the evening; Remind 101 will take care of the rest.

• Website: http://remind101.com
• How it works and features: http://remind101.com/learn_more
• Teacher testimonials: http://remind101.com/testimonials
• Frequently asked questions: http://remind101.com/faq

At the Staff Development Day I presented a session called “10 Sites/Resources for Secondary Teachers.” If you are looking for new ways to integrate technology and engage students, a created a web page for the presentation. It will help you explore 10 resources that can be used in a variety of subjects with secondary students. There is a brief recording of the presentation with links and tutorials to help you get started. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Note: Jason Wacek presented a workshop called, “10 Sites/Resources for Elementary Teachers.” Take a look at his web page as well.

New Prague Area Schools is offering a number of summer technology workshops. Select from any of the options listed below…

• Online Workshops: Select from the growing list of self-paced technology integration workshops. To register, go to NP Moodle… click the Staff Development category… enter staff as the enrollment key.
• Open Lab: Are you planning to create new technology integrated projects for your class this summer? Wouldn’t it be great to have immediate tech support while designing the lessons? I will be available in the high school Ares computer lab from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on June 21, 22, and 23.
• Intel Project-Based Learning: This “personalized” workshop provides opportunities to explore a variety of classroom technologies and create a “Unit Plan” for your curriculum. The course allows teachers to “customize” the content, time, and schedule to fit their needs. Complete the entire 3-day workshop (August 16 – 18) for 20-hours, or select the number of hours you want to attend. Take the Intel PBL survey to learn more and select your level of interest.
• TIES Workshops: New Prague Area Schools is a member of the TIES technology organization. They offer a wide variety of technology classes; most classes are free for teachers in member school districts. View the 2011 TIES Summer brochure and follow the registration procedures.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions about any of these opportunities.

New Prague Area Schools is again partnering with Learner’s Edge to offer graduate credits for teachers who complete our online and summer workshops. Options include…

• 1 semester credit (5 hours of workshops, total of 15 combined hours)
• 2 semester credits (10 hours of workshops, total of 30 combined hours)
• 3 semester credits (20 hours of workshops, total of 45 combined hours)

The process: Attend any of the New Prague summer opportunities and complete the following steps…

1. Fax or mail the completed registration form. After the payment is processed, you will receive the syllabus via email.
2. The Augustana College direction guide will also be emailed. This document provides steps for online registration with Augustana which needs to be completed before the coursework is submitted to allow submission of grades.
3. Completed coursework is mailed to Learner’s Edge for evaluation. The course grade will be emailed upon successful completion. Then a transcript may be requested directly from Augustana, per the direction guide.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Every five years we renew our teaching licenses with the MN Department of Education. There are a variety of ways to earn the 125 professional development hours, but all teachers must show evidence in six required activities:

• Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies
• Accommodation, Modification, and Adaptation
• Key Warning Signs for Early-Onset Mental Illness
• Reading Preparation
• Technology Integration
• Reflective Statement of Professional Growth

The NPAS Staff Development team has created a free, online option for the Early-Onset Mental Illness requirement. The online workshop offers teachers the flexibility to take the course at their own pace and schedule. Complete the workshop in one setting (approx. 3-hours) or in smaller segments when time permits. If the format proves successful, we plan to provide additional licensing workshops in the future.

To register, click the Early-Onset Mental Illness link in the Moodle Staff Development category… enter staff as the enrollment key.

Are you looking for a way to capture students’ attention when introducing new science concepts? Dan Burns may have some resources for you. He has collected several video clips from The Simpsons on his website, Science on the Simpsons. Most clips are less than 2-minutes and can be downloaded for playing on your classroom computer/projector.

The Flip has very quickly become the favorite classroom video camera with teachers around the world. The low price point (under $150) and ease of use made it possible to integrate a variety of student video projects. Unfortunately, Cisco recently announced they are discontinuing the product. If you have been using the Flip with your students, you may be interested in Michael Gorman’s suggestions for 12 Fabulous Flip Camera Alternatives For Education… A Must Read!