Journey+to+Improve+Teaching

Derry Township Improving learning via mini-laptop middle school initiative using web 2.0 tools

C3E3 - Critical and Creative Thinking - Collaborate - Communicate - Engage - Explore - Empower

Project Goals: - Set objectives (Critical Thinking, 21st Century Learning) - Activities with Higher Cognitive Level - Formative Assessment

Wanted to get pockets of district to 1:1 level - 6 classrooms via mini-grant - Competitive applications submitted in August - Grants and hardware awarded in early November - Had to encourage teachers to apply, but already have many applications for next year [| http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/] AASL Books: "Standards for the 21st Century Learner in Action" "Empowering Learner"

Thought about what they wanted students to know and/or do, THEN determined what technology tools (if any) supported that goal.

Core Tools: Moodle, Blogs, Wikis, and Googledocs Supporting Technologies: Video (Discovery Streamin), VidConf (Skype), Graphic Organizers,

Support and Training K-8 Tech Integration Specialist (lesson design and implementation with individual teachers) K-12 consultant (Karen Fasimpaur) - Intensive 3 days/month of training - After School Sessions - Sessions for all faculty - Ongoing Support MS Tech Squad (id students in each grade level, meet monthly, ongoing tech training, support in classroom)

Responsible Use and Safety - Copyright, safeguarding of personal information, responsible and proper use http://hersheymspathfinders.wikispaces.com/Copyright%26FairUse - Skills developed with monitoring, mentoring and guidance of teacher - All network use monitored in the district at the keystroke level (Aristotle) [] - 8th Grade Copyright Unit

Web 2.0 Tools (parental sign-off) - YouTube - Facebook - Twitter - Skype - Flickr - Image Chef - Wordle - Yahoo Email

Other Tools that did not require permission: Moodle Class notes wiki (students entered) Derpartment Discussion Blog (eliminates need for monthly meetings) Speak up-Speak out

2 virtual faculty meetings via a blog

HSD Questions/thoughts: What is the best way to manage elementary netbook carts to maximize teacher ability to use them to improve student learning? LOVE student Tech squad idea! Even sixth graders could handle this role. Should we plan to use internal blogs and wikis in elementary schools to avoid age restrictions?